Which projection is used to evaluate stability after a fusion?

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Which projection is used to evaluate stability after a fusion?

Stability after fusion is best checked by seeing how much movement remains at the fused segment when the spine is bent forward and backward. Flexion and extension projections capture that motion by taking X-rays in two positions: one with the spine flexed and one with it extended. By comparing these images, you can tell whether there’s any residual translation (side-to-side or forward-backward slipping) or abnormal angular motion across the fusion site. If little to no motion is observed, the fusion is considered stable. If there’s significant movement or hardware loosening, instability or nonunion may be present. Static views like lateral or AP X-rays show alignment at a single posture but don’t reveal how the segment moves. MRI provides soft-tissue and nerve information but isn’t used to judge stability through motion. Dynamic flexion-extension views specifically diagnose stability by uncovering motion that static images miss.

Stability after fusion is best checked by seeing how much movement remains at the fused segment when the spine is bent forward and backward. Flexion and extension projections capture that motion by taking X-rays in two positions: one with the spine flexed and one with it extended. By comparing these images, you can tell whether there’s any residual translation (side-to-side or forward-backward slipping) or abnormal angular motion across the fusion site. If little to no motion is observed, the fusion is considered stable. If there’s significant movement or hardware loosening, instability or nonunion may be present.

Static views like lateral or AP X-rays show alignment at a single posture but don’t reveal how the segment moves. MRI provides soft-tissue and nerve information but isn’t used to judge stability through motion. Dynamic flexion-extension views specifically diagnose stability by uncovering motion that static images miss.

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