Investigation of Lumbo-sacral Instability Using Custom Made Table - a Pilot Study
Investigation of Lumbo-sacral Instability Using Custom Made Table - a Pilot Study
The aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility and validity of conventional radiographs
 of the lumbo-sacral spine when the patient is lying on a special table which facilitates
 maximal lumbo-sacral flexion. The results gained from the radiographs with the patient on the
 table will be compared with those gained from standard flexion-extension radiographs of the
 lumbo-sacral spine.
After enrollment in the study patients will complete a set of questionnaire concerning
 degree, extent and quality of their low back problem. Afterwards a lateral conventional
 radiograph of the lumbar spine with the patient on a custom made positioning table will be
 taken. The table facilitates optimal flexion of the lumbar spine. Afterwards sagittal
 translation and rotation are measured on the flexion-extension radiographs and the radiograph
 taken on the custom made table. Differences between the measurements will be determined.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  chronic low back pain (≥ 3 months)

 -  clinical suspicion of lumbo-sacral instability

 -  functional conventional radiographs of lumbar spine

 -  pain intensity > 4 / 10 on visual analogue scale

 -  age 20-60 years

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  radicular pain

 -  pain at more than two locations

 -  lumbar spine surgery

 -  scoliosis

 -  lumbar spondylolysis

 -  lumbar spondylodiscitis

 -  anatomic aberrations of lumbar spine

 -  unconsolidated spine fractures

 -  neurologic deficits

 -  spine tumor

 -  neuromuscular disease

 -  rheumatic disease

 -  severe osteoporosis

 -  radiotherapy within the last 5 years

 -  pregnancy

 -  insufficient German language skills

 -  no informed consent