![Cavitation Thumbnail](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fobhirpvy%2Fproduction%2F4a3bb23d26f42dc3847a6564020a417dcbe58a0d-1942x1462.png%3Fw%3D600%26q%3D40&w=3840&q=50)
Glossary Term
Cavitation
Cavitation is the formation of an empty space within a solid body or fluid. Cavitation sounds result from the separation of joint surfaces, which results in a rapid decrease in intra-articular pressure (cavitation), which results in degassing of synovial fluid (mostly carbon dioxide), the creation of a cavitation bubble within the joint, and the sound itself is either the result of bubble collapse or bubble formation/tribonucleation.
Cavitation: the formation of an empty space within a solid body or fluid.
- Mechanism of Sound Creation during Manipulation (a.k.a. cracking joint, popping joint, etc): Cavitation sounds result from the separation of joint surfaces, which results in a rapid decrease in intra-articular pressure (cavitation), which results in degassing of synovial fluid (mostly carbon dioxide), the creation of a cavitation bubble within the joint, and the sound itself is either the result of bubble collapse or bubble formation/tribonucleation. Note, research demonstrates there is no correlation between manipulations producing a cavitation sound(s) and manipulations resulting in a systemic neurophysiological response or improved patient outcomes.
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Synonyms
- Cracking joint
- Popping joint
- Intra-articular pressure
- Joint pop