Intersegmental kinematic analysis of lumbar spine by functional radiography between two subgroups of patients with...

Kinematic deficits such as fault in joint accessory motion is one of the most important contributing factors for developing the movement impairment in the lumbar spine. Functional radiography is accessible method for detecting the artherokinematic disorders. The aim of this study was to compare lumbar spine intersegmental motion between low back pain (LBP) subgroups of movement system impairment (MSI) model by functional radiography.

20 subjects with chronic LBP in two subgroups of the MSI model (Rotation with Flexion and Rotation with Extension) participated in this study. Five x-rays were taken in different positions. Intersegmental linear translation and angular rotation of the lumbar segments were calculated.

In the Rotation with Extension subgroup, the translation and rotation values of the L3-4 segment from full to full position were significantly more than their values in the Rotation with Flexion subgroup ((mean difference = -1.69 (mm) P = 0.01), (mean difference = -3.80 (mm) P = 0.02) respectively). The translation of L2-3 segment from the neutral to the mid-flexion position was significantly greater in the Rotation with Flexion subgroup compared to the Rotation with Extension subgroup (mean difference = 1.12 (mm) P = 0.04). cumulative intersegmental angular rotation of all lumbar segments from mid to mid position was greater in the Rotation with Flexion subgroup compared to the Rotation with Extension subgroup (P = 0.03).

Changes in intersegmental translation and angular rotation of lumbar segments in subgroups of patients with LBP may be important contributing factors that induce direction specific lumbar spine loads and contribute to the development or persistence of LBP problems.