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Numerical analysis of the effects of padded pelvic belts as a treatment for sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Ryota Toyohara1, Takahiro Hiramukai1, Daisuke Kurosawa2
1Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Background:
Pain related to the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) accounts for low back pain in 15%-30% of patients. One of the most common treatment options is the use of pelvic belts. Various types of pelvic belts exist; however, the mechanisms underlying treatment and their effectiveness remain unclear to date.
Objective:
To analyze stress distribution in the pelvis when a pelvic rubber belt or a padded pelvic belt is applied, to assess the effectiveness of treatment from a numerical biomechanical perspective.
Methods:
The pressure distribution at the pelvic belts was measured using a device and subsequently modeled with the finite element method of a pelvis with soft tissues. The stress environment when wearing a pelvic belt in a double-leg stance was simulated.
Results:
With the application of pelvic belts, the innominate bone rotated outward, which was termed an out-flare. This caused the SIJ to compress and cause reduction in sacrotuberous, sacrospinous, interosseous, and posterior sacroiliac ligament loading. Padded pelvic belts decreased the SIJ displacement to a greater extent than in pelvic rubber belts.
Conclusion:
Pelvic belts aid in compressing the SIJ and reduce its mobility.
