Highlighting of intervertebral movements and variations of intradiskal pressure during lumbar spine manipulation: a feasibility study.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate relative movement of the vertebrae and variations in intradiskal pressure during 2 different lumbar spinal manipulations, in flexion or extension, in 2 unembalmed cadavers.


METHODS
A pressure sensor was inserted into the L3-4 disk in cadaver 1 and into the L1-2 to L4-5 disks in cadaver 2. Two adjacent vertebrae (L3 and L4 in cadaver 1, and L4 and L5 in cadaver 2) were each equipped with 2 monoaxial accelerometers to record acceleration in the caudocranial axis and a biaxial accelerometer to record acceleration in the "horizontal" anatomic plane.


METHODS
Laboratory study.


RESULTS
During the thrust, relative intervertebral movements were demonstrated; movements differed with the type of manipulation (in flexion or extension). Intradiskal pressure initially increased, then decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
Lumbar spinal manipulations have a biomechanical effect on the intervertebral disks, producing a brief but marked change in intradiskal pressure. This effect, which differs slightly with the different types of manipulation studied, is the consequence of movements of the adjacent vertebrae.
Maigne
J Y
JY
Department of Physical Medicine, Hôtel-Dieu University, Paris. jy.maigne@htd.ap-paris-hop-paris.fr
Guillon
F
F
D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002102:Cadaver; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000502:physiology*; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000628:therapy; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008297:Male; D020393:Manipulation, Spinal / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure