# Joint stability

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Ability of the musculoskeletal system to enable precise motion about a joint

**Joint stability** refers to the resistance offered by various [musculoskeletal](/source/Musculoskeletal_system) tissues that surround a skeletal [joint](/source/Joint). Several subsystems ensure the stability of a joint. These are the passive, active and neural subsystems.[1] It is believed that one or more of the subsystems must have failed if joint instability occurs, usually a [torn](/source/Sprain) or overstretched [ligament](/source/Ligament). Instability of joints can cause unhealthy [ranges of movement](/source/Flexibility_(anatomy)) in joints, which can result in the joints [fracturing](/source/Bone_fracture).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

The bony components that may relate to the potential for joint instability can be measured by use of [x-rays](/source/X-ray). Plain film lateral x-rays can be used to evaluate for translations anteriorly ([anterolisthesis](/source/Anterolisthesis)) or posteriorly ([retrolisthesis](/source/Retrolisthesis)). Where plain films indicate the likelihood of these translations being significant, flexion-extension views can be utilized to determine the dynamic range of movement of joints. This allows for a more accurate view of any potential instability issues.[2]

## See also

- [Ligamentous laxity](/source/Ligamentous_laxity)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Panjabi MM. (1992). "The stabilizing system of the spine. Part II. Neutral zone and instability hypothesis". *J Spinal Disord*. **5** (4): 390–7. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1097/00002517-199212000-00002](https://doi.org/10.1097%2F00002517-199212000-00002). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [1490035](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1490035).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Cocchiarella, L.; Andersson G. (1993). *American Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Ed 5*. Chicago Il. USA: American Medical Association. p. 98. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-89970-553-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-89970-553-7).

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