Joint stability refers to the resistance offered by various
musculoskeletal tissues that surround a skeletal
joint
A joint or articulation (or articular surface) is the connection made between bones, ossicles, or other hard structures in the body which link an animal's skeletal system into a functional whole.Saladin, Ken. Anatomy & Physiology. 7th ed. McGraw- ...
. Several subsystems ensure the stability of a joint. These are the passive, active and neural subsystems. It is believed that one or more of the subsystems must have failed if joint instability occurs, usually a
torn
Torn may refer to:
Film and television
* ''Torn'' (2009 film), an American film by Richard Johnson
* ''Torn'' (2013 American film), directed Jeremiah Birnbaum
* ''Torn'' (2013 Nigerian film), directed by Moses Inwang
* ''Torn'' (TV series), a ...
or overstretched
ligament
A ligament is the fibrous connective tissue that connects bones to other bones. It is also known as ''articular ligament'', ''articular larua'', ''fibrous ligament'', or ''true ligament''. Other ligaments in the body include the:
* Peritoneal l ...
. Instability of joints can cause unhealthy
ranges of movement in your joints, which can result in the joints
fracturing.
The bony components that may relate to the potential for joint instability can be measured by use of
x-ray
An X-ray, or, much less commonly, X-radiation, is a penetrating form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. Most X-rays have a wavelength ranging from 10 picometers to 10 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30&nb ...
s. Plain film lateral x-rays can be used to evaluate for translations anteriorly (
anterolisthesis) or posteriorly (
retrolisthesis
A retrolisthesis is a posterior displacement of one vertebral body with respect to the subjacent vertebra to a degree less than a luxation (dislocation). Retrolistheses are most easily diagnosed on lateral x-ray views of the spine. Views where ...
). Where plain films indicate the likelihood of these translations being significant, flexion-extension views can be utilized to determine the dynamic range of movement of joints. This allows for a more accurate view of any potential instability issues.
See also
*
Ligamentous laxity
Ligamentous laxity, or ligament laxity, is a cause of chronic body pain characterized by loose ligaments. When this condition affects joints in the entire body, it is called ''generalized joint hypermobility'', which occurs in about ten percent ...
References
Physical therapy
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