Table 5.

Differential Diagnosis Table for Thoracic and Lumbar Spondylolisthesis in the Sagittal Plane and Appropriate Imaging.

Differential Diagnoses	Plain Radiography	Magnetic Resonance Imaging	Computed Tomography Myelography	Computed Tomography
	Upright, weight bearing lateral lumbar view is most appropriate for detecting spondylolisthesis.[79] Lateral thoracic or lumbar flexion and extension views may demonstrate instability.[80]	Most appropriate for imaging spinal stenosis or facet joint effusion. [79] Provides a detailed view of the thoracic or lumbar spine, spinal cord, and other soft tissue structures.[80]	Useful in assessing spinal stenosis or nerve roots and when MRI is contraindicated or inconclusive. [79] Provides a view of the entire thoracic or lumbar spine and is done in the standing position (accentuates spinal stenosis).[80]	Useful when MRI and CT myelography are contraindicated or inconclusive. Useful in assessing spinal stenosis or nerve roots and provides a detailed view of the facet joints. [79,80]
Thoracic/Lumbar Spondylolisthesis	X	X	X	X
Thoracic/Lumbar Compression Fracture	X
Thoracic/Lumbar Canal Stenosis		X	X	X
Thoracic/Lumbar Disc Herniation		X
Thoracic/Lumbar Facet Arthropathy		X		X
Spondylolysis	X

X = indicates that the imaging procedure in the corresponding column is appropriate for the differential diagnosis in the corresponding row.