Horizontal LCD distortion (pic warning)

[jaspen-meyer]

My x21 is showing the above on the lcd.
I don't have access to an external display, to test the vga output, until the weekend.
If I x-forward an application over ssh, typing on the remote machine causes the x21 display's distortion to jitter.

The distortion also shows itself on boot - the IBM splash screen is also distorted, there is a dropshadow of neon green behind the letters on the splash screen.

What's wrong with the machine and what can I do to fix it?

[jaspen-meyer]

forgot to mention - HMM says to check lcd cable. I think I've striped the head of a screw on the LCD - couldn't
get to the cable. Will try again tomorrow.

The distortion doesn't seem to respond to me pressing on various parts of the machine.

[automobus]

Likely, it is a failure of controller/formatter board in screen assembly. Something on/in/about the circuitboard behind panel is damaged. Probably, the modular/replaceable ThinkPad LCD cable is fine.

[jaspen-meyer]

I unscrewed the three screws which hold the plastic frame in front of the display.
Detached the plastic frame from in front of the screen.
Tapped on the inverter with my finger.
Touched the lcd cable with my finger.

The distortion disappeared!
Problem 'fixed'.