AN OBJECTIVE CLINICAL METHOD TO MEASURE SPINAL EXTENSION

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Abstract
A new objective clinical method to measure thoraco-lumbar extension is described. The technique, requiring only a tape-measure and plumb-lme, and no special equipment, involves the simple measurement of skin marks on (the lateral trunk. The theoretical basis of the procedure was verified by means of a “spinal” model. A radiological control study of 24 individuals and assessment of intra- and inter-observer error revealed the method to be reproducible and reasonably accurate. A set of normal values for spinal extension based on the application of the method to 237 normal subjects is reported. The measurements, which followed a normal (Gaussian) distribution, are tabulated according to mean, S.D., and range for each decade in both sexes. Particular attention is drawn to the decrease in mobility with advancing age, the wide scatter of measurements ait each decade, and a sex difference in mobility—males having greater spinal extension than females. It is concluded that the simplicity and reliability of the method lends kself not only to routine clinical practice but also to epidemiological work. Apart from its diagnostic value, serial use of the technique may also prove helpful in the therapeutic and prognostic assessment of patients with spinal disease. Certain minor limitations of the procedure, such as the difficulty in accurate measurement of skin marks in obese subjects, and the intra- and inter-personal error resulting from variations in fatigue, bearing, enthusiasm, and other factors, are described.

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