Vertebral Segment vs Motion Segment

Question:

What is the difference between a vertebral segment and a “motion segment”?

Answer:

A vertebral segment represents a single vertebral bone with its associated articular processes and lamina.  A “motion segment” refers to 2 vertebral segments and the vertebral interspace (non-bony compartment between two adjacent vertebral bodies) between.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 3/13/25.