- More common in children: Ligamentous injury without bony abnormality occurs more frequently in children, particularly in the preadolescent age group.
- Suggested by facet disruption, change in disk or interspinous space: Occasionally a ligamentous injury may be diagnosed or suspected based on facet disruption, disk space changes, or widening of the interspinous space.
- MRI or flexion/extension x-rays: A ligamentous injury usually requires MRI or flexion/extension films for diagnosis.