Abstract
Background: A standard spinal traction (ST) device was designed to straighten the spine without considering physiological lumbar lordosis. Using lordotic curve-controlled traction (LCCT), which maintains the lordotic curve during traction, the traction force would be applied to the posterior spinal structure effectively. Thus, the purpose of our study was to evaluate real-time biomechanical changes while applying the LCCT and ST. Methods: In this study, 40 subjects with mild non-radicular low back pain (LBP) were included. The participants underwent LCCT and ST in random order. Anterior and posterior intervertebral distance, ratios of anterior/posterior intervertebral distance (A/P ratio), and lordotic angles of intervertebral bodies (L2~L5) were measured by radiography. Results: Mean intervertebral distances were greater during LCCT than those measured prior to applying traction (p < 0.05). Mean A/P ratio was also significantly greater during LCCT than during ST or initially (p < 0.05). In particular, for the L4/5 intervertebral segment, which is responsible for most of the lordotic curve, mean LCCT angle was similar to mean lordotic angle in the standing position (10.9°). Conclusions: Based on measurements of radiologic geometrical changes with real-time clinical setting, the newly developed LCCT appears to be a useful traction device for increasing intervertebral disc spaces by maintaining lordotic curves.
Highlights
Spinal traction (ST) is a form of decompression therapy which was designed to relieve pressure on the spine and improve spinal alignment
We evaluated intervertebral disc space changes during lordotic curve-controlled traction device (LCCT) visualized using radiography and compared the results these to those obtained during standard traction (ST)
A/P ratio was greatest at L4/5, where the lordotic curve is most pronounced (Figures 3C and 4A)
Summary
Spinal traction (ST) is a form of decompression therapy which was designed to relieve pressure on the spine and improve spinal alignment. Among the many beneficial effects of ST, its main aim is to provide pain relief, help achieve spinal alignment, and relieve pressure on nerves, in patients with disc disease [1]. Traction devices increase the intervertebral distance in patients with disc diseases. Using lordotic curve-controlled traction (LCCT), which maintains the lordotic curve during traction, the traction force would be applied to the posterior spinal structure effectively. Results: Mean intervertebral distances were greater during LCCT than those measured prior to applying traction (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Based on measurements of radiologic geometrical changes with realtime clinical setting, the newly developed LCCT appears to be a useful traction device for increasing intervertebral disc spaces by maintaining lordotic curves
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