Objective: To review the research progress of the vacuum phenomenon in spine.
Methods: The recent articles about the vacuum phenomenon in spine were reviewed; the features of imaging and the clinical correlation were summarized.
Results: The vacuum phenomenon has been described in every segment of the spine. This phenomenon occurs mostly to the disc space and represents a transparent area on radiograph.
Conclusion: The causes of the vacuum phenomenon include degeneration of the anatomic structures of spine, trauma, and other pathologic changes. The vacuum phenomenon has important diagnostic and clinical significances.