An analytical survey of structural aberrations observed in static radiographic examinations among acute low back cases.

For many years, static standing x-ray views of the lumbar spine and pelvis have been evaluated to identify variations in the positional attitude of the osseous segments and to relate such findings with possible causes of low back pain and disability. This study of 110 cases of acute low back pain identified the frequency of occurrence of intervertebral disc-space wedging, the level where it most frequently occurred and the associated alterations in the attitude of the pelvis and adjacent vertebral segments. Correlation of the location of pain with the distorted structural positions was also attempted. The study suggested significant reliability in the analysis of static x-ray views of the lumbar spine in locating the level of lesion in acute low back cases, and sought to differentiate between significant structural change and normal postural accommodations.