Table 6.

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

Differential Diagnoses	Plain Radiography	Magnetic Resonance Imaging	Computed Tomography Myelography	Computed Tomography
Thoracic/Lumbar Spondylolisthesis	Upright, weight bearing lateral thoracic or 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 Compression Fracture	Upright, weight bearing lateral thoracic or lumbar view is most appropriate for detecting spondylolisthesis.[79] Lateral thoracic or lumbar flexion and extension views may demonstrate instability.[80]
Thoracic/Lumbar Canal Stenosis		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 Disc Herniation		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]
Thoracic/Lumbar Facet Arthropathy		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 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 Spondylolysis	Upright, weight bearing lateral thoracic or lumbar view is most appropriate for detecting spondylolisthesis.[79] Lateral thoracic or lumbar flexion and extension views may demonstrate instability.[80]