Proportional lumbar spine inter-vertebral motion patterns: a comparison of patients with chronic, non-specific low back pain and healthy controls.

Introduction: Identifying biomechanical subgroups in chronic, non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) populations from inter-vertebral displacements has proven elusive. Quantitative fluoroscopy (QF) has excellent repeatability and provides continuous standardised inter-vertebral kinematic data from fluoroscopic sequences allowing assessment of mid-range motion. The aim of this study was to determine whether proportional continuous IV rotational patterns were different in patients and controls.

Ionizing radiation exposure and the development of intervertebral disc degeneration--no case to answer.

In the following perspective article, Mellor and Breen provide a counterpoint to a previous perspective on the potential link between ionizing radiation exposure and intervertebral disc degeneration in humans [1]. The previous perspective asked, is this link a myth or reality? It suggested the potential for such a link. Mellor and Breen offer a drastically alternate view, in essence, that the question itself is flawed.

Measurement of intervertebral motion using quantitative fluoroscopy: report of an international forum and proposal for use in the assessment of degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine.

Quantitative fluoroscopy (QF) is an emerging technology for measuring intervertebral motion patterns to investigate problem back pain and degenerative disc disease. This International Forum was a networking event of three research groups (UK, US, Hong Kong), over three days in San Francisco in August 2009. Its aim was to reach a consensus on how best to record, analyse, and communicate QF information for research and clinical purposes.

Midlumbar lateral flexion stability measured in healthy volunteers by in vivo fluoroscopy.

Study Design: Prospective fluoroscopic and electromyographic study of coronal plane lumbar spine motion in healthy male volunteers.

Objectives: Assess the intervertebral motion profiles in healthy volunteers for symmetry, regularity, and neutral zone laxity during passive recumbent lateral bending motion.

Summary Of Background Data: Previous continuous in vivo motion studies of the lumbar spine have mainly been limited to active, weight-bearing, flexion-extension (sagittal plane) motion.

An objective spinal motion imaging assessment (OSMIA): reliability, accuracy and exposure data.

Background: Minimally-invasive measurement of continuous inter-vertebral motion in clinical settings is difficult to achieve. This paper describes the reliability, validity and radiation exposure levels in a new Objective Spinal Motion Imaging Assessment system (OSMIA) based on low-dose fluoroscopy and image processing.

Methods: Fluoroscopic sequences in coronal and sagittal planes were obtained from 2 calibration models using dry lumbar vertebrae, plus the lumbar spines of 30 asymptomatic volunteers.