Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Massive osteophytes on left connecting L5-S1 on left. ... Lateral Lumbar. Vacuum phenomenon=tearing of annular fibers leading to opening of space and pulling of gas out of solution after the NP dissolves. Vacuum cleft=marginal disruption of outer annular fibers (may be trauma related or related to degenerative changes) ... Disc ballooning ... ................
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