Three-Dimensional X-ray Analysis of Normal Movement in the Lumbar Spine

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Biplanar radiography was used to assess the normal 3-dimensional movements of the lumbar spine in the erect posture in a group of asymptomatic volunteers. The primary movements investigated were flexion and extension, while the 3-dimensional analysis also measured any associated coupled lateral bends and axial rotations. Each intervertebral joint had a total range of flexion and extension of .apprx. 14.degree., the lower levels moving slightly more than the upper levels. All the intervertebral joints had more movement in flexion than extension from the upright position, except for the [lumbar] L5/[sacral]S1 joint, which showed no consistent pattern, some subjects extending more than flexing. Coupled movements of 4.degree. or more in flexion and 3.degree. or more in extension were abnormal.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: