Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Lumbosacral region'

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2005.
The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (July 14, 2006) Includes bibliographical references.

The burden of non-specific low back pain in the population is substantial. Putative sacroiliac joint pain or 'sacroiliac syndrome' is a significant subset of this condition. Localisable pain over the long posterior sacroiliac ligament (LPSL) is often described as both a clinical sign and symptom of this syndrome. The aim of this qualitative morphological investigation was to investigate a potential basis for a patho-anatomic relationship between the long posterior sacroiliac ligament (LPSL) and the posterior sacrococcygeal plexus (PSP). Twenty-two cadavers were available for study. Three methods were utilised: macro-dissection (n = 22 sides), small wax block histology (n = 3 sides), large wax block histology (n = 1 side), giant wax block histology (n = 4 sides) and a review of E12 sheet plastinated transverse and sagittal sections (n = 4 sides). The LPSL was demonstrated to have a layered structure that was penetrated by the lateral branches of the dorsal sacral rami. A segmental relationship was observed between the lateral branches of the dorsal sacral rami and the LPSL. The posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia was not continuous with the superficial layer of the LPSL, deep to the fibres of gluteus maximus. The LPSL was shown to have three morphologically distinct regions, the proximal, mid and distal LPSL. A confluence of three layers was observed at the mid LPSL posterior to the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) namely the erectores spinae aponeurosis (ESA), the gluteal aponeurosis (GA) and the deep fascial layer from the second and third medial dorsal sacral foramina. A region of adipose and loose connective tissue was evident deep to the deep fascial layer in which lateral branches of the dorsal sacral rami were observed. In the region of the mid LPSL between the inferior PSIS and the third sacral transverse tubercle (ST), the attachment of the ESA to sacral bone was absent. This space was occupied by the continuous underlying region of adipose and loose connective tissue. At its greatest extent, this region was observed between the central sacral canal medially and the gluteal aponeurosis laterally. This study suggests that the LPSL may be better described as a retinaculum for the lateral branches of the dorsal sacral rami. These morphological findings provide a basis for the existence of a potential patho-anatomical mechanism that may explain localised pain in the posterior sacroiliac region, usually interpreted as referred pain from the sacroiliac joint. The lateral branches of the dorsal sacral rami may have a potential vulnerability to trauma or ischaemic challenge in this region, which may account for SIJ related 'non-specific' low back pain or for pregnancy related peripartum pelvic pain. Furthermore, a morphological basis for the anatomical confounding of SIJ tests is shown.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in muscle activity of the lumbar and pelvic extensor muscles during the hyperextension and reverse hyperextension exercises. Fifteen healthy and weight-trained volunteers (8 women, 7 men) were recruited from a university setting. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of selected hip and trunk extensor muscles was recorded during the execution of a hyperextension and a reverse hyperextension. Three muscles were analyzed: lumbar erector spinae (ES), biceps femoris (BF) and gluteus maximus (GM). The amount of external load used by each individual was determined by equating the amount of torque produced at the hip joint for both exercises. Participants performed two trials of each exercise, and completed at least three repetitions within the eight-second data collection period. Peak integrated EMG (iEMG) activity was expressed as a percentage of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (%MVC). A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) failed to demonstrate significant differences in %MVC activity between the two exercises, (p>0.05). A comparison of the hyperextension and reverse hyperextension exercises revealed that under similar loading conditions, there is no significant difference in muscle activity of the lumbar and hip extensor muscles.
School of Physical Education

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2003.
Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xvii, 238 p.; also includes graphics (some col.). Includes abstract and vita. Advisor: William S. Marras, Dept. of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Includes bibliographical references (p. 204-238).

Radiography is a common radiologic investigation despite abundant evidence of its limited diagnostic value. On the other hand, computed tomography (CT) has a high diagnostic value and is widely considered to be among the most important advances in medicine. However, CT exposes patients to a higher radiation dose and it might therefore not be acceptable simply to replace radiography with CT, despite the powerful diagnostic value of this technique. At the expense of reduced CT image quality, which could be adjusted to the diagnostic needs, low-dose CT of abdomen and lumbar spine can be performed at similar dose to radiography. The aim of the current thesis project was to evaluate low-dose CT of the abdomen and lumbar spine and to compare it with radiography. The hypothesis was that CT would give better image quality and diagnostic information compared to radiography at similar dose levels. Firstly, the diagnostic accuracy of low-dose CT of the abdomen was evaluated. Results showed that low-dose CT of abdomen has a high sensitivity and specificity compared to radiography, i.e., it has higher diagnostic accuracy. Similar results were obtained from our systematic review. Secondly, in a phantom study, an ovine phantom was scanned at various CT settings. The image quality was evaluated to obtain a protocol for the optimal settings for low-dose CT of lumbar spine at 1 mSv. This new protocol was then used in a clinical study to assess the image quality of low-dose CT of the lumbar spine and compare it to radiography. Results showed that low-dose CT has significantly better image quality than radiography. Finally, the impact of Iterative reconstruction (IR) on image quality of lumbar spine CT was tested. Iterative reconstruction is a recent CT technique aimed to reduce radiation dose and/or improve image quality. The results showed that the use of medium strength IR levels in the reconstruction of CT image improves image quality compared to filtered back projection. In conclusion, low-dose CT of the abdomen and lumbar spine, at about 1 mSv, has better image quality and gives diagnostic information compared to radiography at similar dose levels and it could therefore replace radiography.

Evalúa la estabilidad de la columna lumbar, mediante la aplicación del ángulo de Ferguson y del centro geométrico de L3, por ello se evalúa los parámetros en el servicio de radiodiagnóstico del Hospital Central PNP - “Luis N. Sáen”, puesto que en esta área acuden muchas personas para realizarse exámenes radiográficos de dicha región, sin embargo, aún no se confirma la utilidad de estos parámetros de forma científica, por consiguiente, son de gran importancia estudios de la columna lumbar a futuro en este aspecto, a fin de poder brindar un soporte al tratamiento y rehabilitación que permita el restablecimiento temprano del paciente.
Tesis

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Durban University of Technology, 2008
To evaluate the lumbar lordosis, lumbosacral angle, lumbosacral disc angle, lumbosacral lordosis angle, intervertebral disc angles and heights, interpedicular distances, sagittal canal diameters and the lumbar gravity line (selected radiographic parameters) in young to middle aged Indian females in Durban. To determine any association between the selected radiographic parameters and the age of the subjects, weight, height and body mass index of the subjects, occupation, smoking, previous pregnancy and leg length inequality (selected anthropometric and demographic factors). Methods: Sixty healthy, asymptomatic, young to middle aged, Indian females were recruited for this study. All subjects underwent a case history, a physical examination and radiographic evaluation (AP and lateral views) of the lumbar spine. SPSS version 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill, USA) was used to analyze the data. Results: The mean (± SD) of the lumbar lordosis, lumbosacral angle, lumbosacral disc angle and lumbosacral lordosis angle was 49º (± 6º), 39º (± 8º), 12º (± 5º) and 143.2º (± 5º) respectively. For the lumbar intervertebral disc angles at L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5- S1 levels, the mean (± SD) was 6º (± 2º), 8º (± 2º), 10º (± 3º), 12º (± 4º) and 12º (± 5º) respectively. The anterior and posterior intervertebral disc heights at the respective vertebral levels were: L1-L2: anterior: 8 mm (± 2), posterior 5 mm (± 2); L2-L3: anterior: 10 mm (± 2), posterior 5 mm (± 2); L3-L4: anterior: 12 mm (± 2), posterior 5 mm (± 2); L4-L5: anterior: 14 mm (± 3), posterior 5 mm (± 2) and L5-S1: anterior: 13 mm (± 4), posterior 6 mm (± 2). The mean (± SD) of the interpedicular distance at the L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5 vertebral levels was 23 mm (± 2), 24 mm (± 2), 25 mm (± 2), 27 mm (± 2) and 31 mm (± 3) respectively. For the sagittal canal diameter at the L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5 vertebral levels, the mean (± SD) was 20 mm (± 5), 21 mm (± 3), 21 mm (± 3), 21 mm (± 3) and 19 mm (± 3) respectively. The lumbar gravity line intersected the sacrum in 67.3% of the subjects. In 29.1% of the subjects, the lumbar gravity line passed anterior to the sacrum while in 3.6% of the subjects, it passed posterior to the sacrum. iv A significant association was found between lumbar lordosis and the height of the subjects in this study (p = 0.004). A decrease in the intervertebral disc height at L5-S1 was associated with smoking (p = 0.005). A decrease in the intervertebral disc height at L4-L5 was associated with previous pregnancy (p = 0.016). Body mass index of 26–30 kg.m-2 was significantly associated with an increase in the intervertebral disc angles at L3-L4 (p = 0.028) and L4-L5 (p = 0.031). A decrease in the L5-S1 intervertebral disc angle was also significantly associated with smoking (p = 0.023). There was a significant association between previous pregnancy and an increase in the intervertebral disc angle at L3-L4 (p = 0.016). A significant association was found between the age of the subjects and the L5-S1 intervertebral disc angle (p = 0.007). Specifically it was the 23–27 year group and 33–37 year group who were significantly different from each other (p = 0.033). Conclusion: Similarities and differences were found in the mean values of the radiographic parameters measured in this study and those reported in the literature. A number of the selected anthropometric and demographic factors were associated with some of the lumbar radiographic parameters. Further studies are required to establish the clinical significance of these findings.

Study Design. This study investigated the effects of a lumbar support belt on lumbar disc deformation and joint angles. Trunk strength and endurance were also compared to disc deformation and joint angles to determine if any meaningful relationships existed. Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine if back support belts relieve stresses encountered by the lumbar spine during lifting activities and thus reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, trunk strength and endurance measures were collected in order to determine if strong, well conditioned trunk musculature aids in the support of the lumbar spine. Summary of Background Data. Low-back pain and injury are responsible for a major portion of lost work days and injury compensation claims. Back support belts have been proposed as a counter measure towards reducing low-back injuries in the industrial setting. Methods. Twelve male subjects (average age, 49.7 years) performed two sessions of stoop type lifting with a loaded milk crate (11.5 kg), at a rate of 4 repetitions per minute, for a total 15 minutes per session in accordance with the NIOSH 1993 lifting equation. The order of testing with and without a belt was randomized for the two sessions. Fluoroscopic images were collected prior to and following both lifting sessions. Fluoroscopic images were collected with the subjects positioned at the initiation (flexed trunk), mid-range, and completion of the lift (erect standing). Images were imported into Auto Cad where lumbar disc deformation and joint angles were measured by calculating changes in position of adjacent vertebra (L3-4 and L4-5). A reduction of deformation was deemed indicative of reduced stress. Trunk extension and flexion strength were measured with a Kin Com isokinetic dynamometer. Trunk flexion endurance was measured via a 60 second curl-up test. Results. Analysis of variance revealed that compressive and shear disc deformation were reduced while in the erect trunk posture for the support belt condition (p<.05). No significant reduction in disc deformation was detected while in flexed trunk postures for the support belt condition (p>.05). A significant inverse relationship was detected (p<05) between: abdominal strength and shear stress (flexed trunk positions), abdominal endurance and shear stress (erect trunk), and spinal erector strength and L4-L5 joint angle (erect trunk). Conclusions. During stoop type lifting, support belts provide a measurable amount of stress reduction of the lumbar spine when the trunk is in the erect posture, with little effect during flexed trunk positions. Strong, well conditioned trunk musculature is associated with reduced stress on the lumbar spine.
Graduation date: 1998

Thesis (M.Tech.:Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2007 xiii, 76, 13 leaves
To determine the prevalence and demographics of lumbo-sacral cases recorded at the D.U.T Chiropractic Day Clinic from 13th January 1995 to 30th November 2005. To identify the aetiology, common lumbo-sacral diagnoses, associated signs and symptoms, management and contra-indications to chiropractic treatment recorded on the initial consultation of patients with lumbo-sacral complaints.

Con los objetivos de evaluar la relación del balance sagital lumbopélvico con la estenosis del conducto lumbar degenerativo y de simplificar las mediciones del balance sagital lumbopélvico, se han evaluado radiográficamente pacientes con diagnóstico de estenosis de conducto lumbar degenerativo, asistidos en forma consecutiva durante los años 2002 y 2003, en el Hospital “Horacio Cestino” de Ensenada y en la práctica privada. Se ha realizado una evaluación bibliográfica que permitió documentar y clasificar los distintos parámetros de medición del balance sagital lumbopélvicos en angulares, mediciones de distancias e índices según el procedimiento para obtenerlos, y clasificarlos en anatómicos y posicionales según su significación. Cada uno de ellos puede ser espinal, pélvico o de ambos. Fueron evaluados 115 pacientes, edad media de 68,2 años (+ 9,8), 85 mujeres. Se consignó peso, talla, diabetes, artroplastía de cadera y tipo de manifestación clínica. Todos fueron evaluados con radiografías de 35 x 43 cm, en posición lateral con el paciente parado, incluyendo desde el cuerpo de L1 hasta las cabezas femorales. Las radiografías evidenciaron además de los cambios degenerativos: escoliosis en 33, espondilolistesis degenerativa en 52 y espondilolistesis ístmica en 19, en 3 pacientes coexistieron listesis ístimcas y degenerativas en distintos niveles . En 12 casos hubo colapsos vertebrales y vértebra de transición. En todos los pacientes se evaluaron los parámetros angulares: Morfología Pélvica, Ángulo Pélvico, Incidencia Pélvica, Versión Pelviana, Pendiente Sacra, Lordosis Lumbo Pélvica, Lumbo Sacra y Lumbar , Ángulo Lumbo Sacro y Ángulo Cestino, éste último no descrito anteriormente. Se evaluaron las distancias del eje bicoxofemoral al sacro y la proyección vertical de L1, y se valoraron dos índices de traslación sacra: Porcentaje Lumbo Pélvico e Índice Sacro Pélvico. Los datos se volcaron a una planilla de Excel. Los valores hallados se relacionaron con las variables de sexo, edad, enfermedades asociadas, clínica y hallazgos radiográficos. Se realizó el estudio estadístico por el Test de Student y Correlación de Pearson con ayuda de planillas de Excel y programa EPIDAT Versión 3.0. Los datos se evaluaron con los de la bibliografía tanto para individuos sanos jóvenes y de la misma edad, como para estados patológicos. El Balance Sagital Lumbo Pélvico en pacientes con estenosis del conducto lumbar evidenció alteración en los parámetros posicionales. Los parámetros anatómicos no se modificaron con la excepción de estenosis asociada a espondilolistesis ístmica. La Lordosis Lumbo Pélvica, el Ángulo Pélvico y la Versión Pelviana tuvieron valores inferiores a la población asintomática. Se puede simplificar las mediciones del balance sagital sin perjuicio de valorarlo correctamente, dado que existe superposición de varios parámetros. Se sugieren tres alternativas de medición. Los parámetros nuevos: Ángulo Cestino e Índice Sacro Pélvico, mostraron importante correlación con los restantes parámetros del balance lumbopélvico. El Ángulo C tiene relación matemática con la Morfología Pélvica, la Pendiente Sacra y el Ángulo Pélvico.