[Functional oblique views of the lumbar spine (author's transl)]

The first part of the paper deals with measurements of 152 radiographs. It was found that the conventional views of the lumbar spine in two planes can demonstrate only 49.1% of the articular joints. Oblique views in two planes increase the accuracy to 88.7%. In view of the relatively high accuracy of the oblique views, these were used as the basis for a new functional method for examining the intervertebral joints. For this examination, oblique views of the lumbar spine are taken in the lordotic and kyphotic positions. The position of the patient during the examination is described in detail. In the second part of the paper, the results of measurements of 80 functional examinations are evaluated. Average values for the mobility of individual elements of the lumbar spine have been derived. Finally, the practical value of the new technique is demonstrated. Its special place for subluxations and spondylolyses is stressed.