Joint stability refers to the resistance offered by various
musculoskeletal
The human musculoskeletal system (also known as the human locomotor system, and previously the activity system) is an organ system that gives humans the ability to move using their muscular and skeletal systems. The musculoskeletal system prov ...
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. 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
X-rays (or rarely, ''X-radiation'') are a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. In many languages, it is referred to as Röntgen radiation, after the German scientist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, who discovered it in 1895 and named it ' ...
s. Plain film lateral x-rays can be used to evaluate for translations anteriorly (
anterolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is the displacement of one spinal vertebra compared to another. While some medical dictionaries define spondylolisthesis specifically as the forward or anterior displacement of a vertebra over the vertebra inferior to it (or t ...
) 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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