• Rome P
• Waterhouse J

• Biomechanical Phenomena
• Manipulation, Chiropractic
• Open Access Document
• Subluxation, Cervical

The  biomechanical  release  of  the  articular fixation  element  of  a  vertebral  subluxation  is often signified by an audible cavitation. While some minor cavitation may occur with non-specific forms  of finger  manipulation,  it  has  been  shown  that  a  manual  adjustment  results  in  audible cavitation  which  can  activate  sensory  and  autonomic  reflexes.  However,  more  recent  research indicates  that  the  audible  cracking  sound  is  not  related  to  the  collapse  of  intra-articular  gas bubble.  This  review  discusses  aspects  of  the  articular  audible  cavitation  of  the  previously researched  metacarpophalangeal  (MCP)  joints  under  distraction,  as compared  to  cavitation  of  a vertebral facet fixation noted during a segmental adjustment. It is suggested that these procedures may  be  quite  different  mechanisms.  The  mechanism  of  the  origin  of  audible  cavitation  has  been the  subject  of  a  range  of  theories  over  the  years.  Its  timing  in  relation  to  a  gas  cavitation  and separation  of  facet  joint  surfaces  is  still  subject  to  clarification  following  recent  research.  Due  to technological  constraints,  the  speed  of  the  audible  release  and  the  cavity  formation,  the  specific timing has yet to be conclusively demonstrated. Future research may focus on suction separation of  the  facet  interface,  and  particularly  of  vertebral  facets  in  preference  to  research  done  with metacarpophalangeal articulations.

Author keywords: Cavitation - Audible cavitation - Articular release

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