Reliability of Real-time Ultrasound Imaging for the Assessment of Trunk Stabilizer Muscles: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Rehabilitative ultrasound (US) imaging is one of the popular methods for investigating muscle morphologic characteristics and dimensions in recent years. The reliability of this method has been investigated in different studies. As studies have been performed with different designs and quality, reported values of rehabilitative US have a wide range. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature conducted on the reliability of rehabilitative US imaging for the assessment of deep abdominal and lumbar trunk muscle dimensions. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Embase, Physiotherapy Evidence, Ovid, and CINAHL databases were searched to identify original research articles conducted on the reliability of rehabilitative US imaging published from June 2007 to August 2017. The articles were qualitatively assessed; reliability data were extracted; and the methodological quality was evaluated by 2 independent reviewers. Of the 26 included studies, 16 were considered of high methodological quality. Except for 2 studies, all high-quality studies reported intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for intra-rater reliability of 0.70 or greater. Also, ICCs reported for inter-rater reliability in high-quality studies were generally greater than 0.70. Among low-quality studies, reported ICCs ranged from 0.26 to 0.99 and 0.68 to 0.97 for intra- and inter-rater reliability, respectively. Also, the reported standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change for rehabilitative US were generally in an acceptable range. Generally, the results of the reviewed studies indicate that rehabilitative US imaging has good levels of both inter- and intra-rater reliability.

The validity and reliability of noninvasive methods for measuring kyphosis.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: To examine the interrater and intrarater reliability and validity of tools for measuring thoracic kyphosis, namely the digital inclinometer and the flexicurve. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Various methods are used to measure kyphosis, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Radiography is common, highly reliable, and valid but unsuitable for regular use because of radiation exposure and cost. Other clinical methods allow safe and rapid assessment of spinal curvature. The validity and reliability of some nclinometers have been confirmed; however, there are no data that compare inclinometers and flexicurves using radiography for measuring thoracic kyphosis. METHODS: We enrolled 105 patients with hyperkyphosis, aged between 10 and 80 years. The Cobb angle was measured radiographically by a spine specialist. Two other examiners, blinded to the Cobb angles, measured thoracic kyphosis using the flexicurve and digital inclinometer. RESULTS: Comparing the kyphosis angle with the radiographic Cobb angle, as a gold standard, revealed that the digital inclinometer was reasonably valid for patients aged below 30 and above 50 years, whereas the validity of the flexicurve in both age ranges was poor. On the intrarater evaluation, the digital inclinometer provided a high reliability in patients aged below 30 and above 50 years; however, the flexicurve was also acceptable in this regard. In contrast, on the interrater evaluation, the digital inclinometer provided a high reliability in subjects aged below 30 and above 50 years. The flexicurve provided a poor interrater reliability in subjects aged below 30 years and an acceptable level of reliability in those aged above 50 years. CONCLUSIONS: The digital inclinometer is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring thoracic kyphosis and can be used for regular screening. In contrast, the flexicurve has poor interrater and intrarater reliability.

Occupational low back pain in primary and high school teachers: prevalence and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for low back pain (LBP) in teachers and to evaluate the association of individual and occupational characteristics with the prevalence of LBP. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 586 asymptomatic teachers were randomly selected from 22 primary and high schools in Semnan city of Iran. Data on the personal, occupational characteristics, pain intensity, and functional disability as well as the prevalence and risk factors of LBP were collected using different questionnaires. RESULTS: Point, last month, last 6 months, annual, and lifetime prevalence rates of LBP were 21.8%, 26.3%, 29.6%, 31.1%, and 36.5%, respectively. The highest prevalence was obtained for the high school teachers. The prevalence of LBP was significantly associated with age, body mass index, job satisfaction, and length of employment (P < .05 in all instances). Prolonged sitting and standing, working hours with computer, and correcting examination papers were the most aggravating factors, respectively. Rest and participation in physical activity were found to be the most relieving factors. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of LBP in teachers appears to be high. High school teachers were more likely to experience LBP than primary school teachers. Factors such as age, body mass index, length of employment, job satisfaction, and work-related activities were significant factors associated with LBP in this teacher population.

The Effects of Stabilization and Mckenzie Exercises on Transverse Abdominis and Multifidus Muscle Thickness, Pain, and Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial in NonSpecific Chronic Low Back Pain.

[Purpose] This study compared the effectiveness of stabilization and McKenzie exercises on pain, disability, and thickness of the transverse abdominis and multifidus muscles in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain. [Subjects] Thirty patients were randomly assigned into two groups: the McKenzie and stabilization exercise groups. [Methods] Before and after intervention, pain, disability, and thickness of the transverse abdominis and multifidus muscles were evaluated by visual analogue scale, functional rating index, and sonography, respectively. The training program was 18 scheduled sessions of individual training for both groups. [Results] After interventions, the pain score decreased in both groups. The disability score decreased only in the stabilization group. The thickness of the left multifidus was significantly increased during resting and contracting states in the stabilization group. The thickness of the right transverse abdominis during the abdominal draw-in maneuver, and thickness of the left transverse abdominis during the active straight leg raising maneuver were significantly increased in the stabilization group. The intensity of pain, disability score, thickness of the right transverse abdominis during the abdominal draw-in manouver, and thickness of the left transverse abdominis during active straight leg raising in the stabilization group were greater than those on the Mackenzie. [Conclusion] Stabilization exercises are more effective than McKenzie exercises in improving the intensity of pain and function score and in increasing the thickness of the transverse abdominis muscle.

Validity and test-retest reliability of photogrammetry in adolescents with hyperkyphosis.

BACKGROUND: A variety of noninvasive instruments have been introduced in the literature to assess thoracic curvature, although the psychometric properties of many of these instruments have not been satisfactory. Photogrammetry is a safe, accessible, and reliable technique. However, its validity in adolescents with hyperkyphosis has not yet been investigated. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the validity and test-retest reliability of photogrammetry in the measurement of thoracic kyphosis among adolescents with hyperkyphosis. METHODS: Fifty adolescents with hyperkyphosis participated in this study. The kyphosis angle was measured using radiography and photogrammetry. A two-way random model of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,3) was used to estimate relative reliability. Absolute reliability was assessed by calculating the standard error of the measurements (SEM) and the minimal detectable change (MDC). Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated to evaluate the validity of the photogrammetry technique. Bland-Altman plots were plotted to determine the agreement between the angles measured by radiography and photogrammetry. RESULTS: There was a strong correlation between the values obtained from the photogrammetry technique and those from the radiography method (r = 0.94). The 95% limits of agreement indicated that the photogrammetric measurements of thoracic kyphosis angle might range from 2.4 degrees greater to 10.2 degrees lower than the Cobb radiographic angle. Photogrammetric measurements of thoracic kyphosis showed excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.97; SEM = 1.67; MDC = 4.62). CONCLUSION: High reliability of photogrammetry technique and its strong correlation with radiographic Cobb angle support the application of this technique for the measurement of thoracic kyphosis in clinical practice.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with low back pain in Iranian surgeons.

OBJECTIVES: Low back pain (LBP) is a common and costly occupational injury among health care professionals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of LBP in surgeons and to analyze how individual and occupational characteristics contribute to the risk of LBP. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted on 250 randomly selected surgeons including 112 general surgeons, 95 gynecologists and 43 orthopedists from 21 hospitals at northern Iran. A structured questionnaire including demographic, lifestyle, occupational characteristics as well as prevalence and risk factors of LBP was used. Visual analogue scale and Oswestry low back disability questionnaires were also used to assess the pain intensity and functional disability, respectively. RESULTS: Point, last month, last six months, last year and lifetime prevalence of LBP was 39.9%, 50.2%, 62.3%, 71.7% and 84.8%, respectively. The highest point prevalence was related to the gynecologists with 44.9%, and the lowest for general surgeons (31.7%). Age, body mass index, smoking, general health, having an assistant, job satisfaction, using preventive strategies and years of practice were found to be correlated with the prevalence of LBP (P < .05 in all instances except for age and job satisfaction). Prolonged standing, repeated movements and awkward postures were the most prevalent aggravating factors (85.2%, 50.2% and 48.4%, respectively). Rest was found to be the most relieving factor (89.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that the prevalence of LBP amongst surgeons appears to be high and highlights a major health concern. Further large scale studies, including other specialties and health professions such as physical therapy, chiropractic, and general medicine, should be performed.

Revisiting the lumbosacral orthosis from the perspective of dynamical systems theory: a preliminary randomized clinical trial on patients with chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: The prevalent method for investigating the effect of therapeutic interventions on walking in the individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) is component-level approach in which all measurements focus on the spine component alone. However, this approach cannot disclose information about the overall function of the movement system such as complex walking patterns, which, in turn, reveal the underlying movement control. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of 3-week wearing of lumbosacral orthosis (LSO) along with routine physical therapy with routine physical therapy alone on walking complexity in the individuals with nonspecific CLBP on the basis of the systems approach. STUDY DESIGN: Preliminary randomized clinical trial. METHODS: Twenty-four subjects were randomly allocated to two groups. The control group received the routine physical therapy for 3 weeks. The intervention group received the same program plus an LSO. Nonlinear analysis was used to quantify walking complexity, as behavior of the entire movement system, before and after the intervention and at 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: An average of 496 strides during ten minutes of walking was used for analysis. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in degree of walking complexity between two groups during all evaluation periods. CONCLUSIONS: The administered orthotic intervention did not alter walking complexity. This suggests that therapeutic goal of current LSOs, which is not based on the systems approach, cannot recover the emergent behavior of the movement system. This may be a potential source of controversies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To achieve an effective treatment, orthotists should focus on the individuals themselves, not only on their CLBP symptoms. Although the component-level approach aims to decrease the symptoms, the systems approach focuses on the whole context that fosters LBP symptoms.

The effects of bracing on sagittal spinopelvic parameters and Cobb angle in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: A before-after clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effects of bracing on the Cobb angle and sagittal spinopelvic parameters in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 25 adolescents (2 males, 23 females; mean age 12.7±1.6; range, 10-15 years) with AIS who received bracing between January 2000 and June 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The initial and final out-of-brace radiographs of 25 AIS patients were analyzed with regard to the spinopelvic parameters. The pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis (TK), and lumbar lordosis (LL) were measured. RESULTS: The mean age at the initiation of bracing was 12.7±1.6 years. The mean initial Cobb angle was 31.8°±5.9°. There were no statistically significant differences between the baseline and the final measurements of the PI, PT, and SS. However, there were statistically significant differences between the baseline and the final measurements of the TK, LL, and Cobb angle. A significant correlation was observed between the PI and Cobb angle and TK and between the LL and SS. CONCLUSION: Our study results show significant associations between the sagittal pelvic parameters and the spinal parameters during the brace treatment of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

Kinematic analysis of dynamic lumbar motion in patients with lumbar segmental instability using digital videofluoroscopy.

The study design is a prospective, case-control. The aim of this study was to develop a reliable measurement technique for the assessment of lumbar spine kinematics using digital video fluoroscopy in a group of patients with low back pain (LBP) and a control group. Lumbar segmental instability (LSI) is one subgroup of nonspecific LBP the diagnosis of which has not been clarified. The diagnosis of LSI has traditionally relied on the use of lateral functional (flexion-extension) radiographs but use of this method has proven unsatisfactory.Fifteen patients with chronic low back pain suspected to have LSI and 15 matched healthy subjects were recruited. Pulsed digital videofluoroscopy was used to investigate kinematics of lumbar motion segments during flexion and extension movements in vivo. Intersegmental linear translation and angular displacement, and pathway of instantaneous center of rotation (PICR) were calculated for each lumbar motion segment. Movement pattern of lumbar spine between two groups and during the full sagittal plane range of motion were analyzed using ANOVA with repeated measures design. Intersegmental linear translation was significantly higher in patients during both flexion and extension movements at L5-S1 segment (p < 0.05). Arc length of PICR was significantly higher in patients for L1-L2 and L5-S1 motion segments during extension movement (p < 0.05). This study determined some kinematic differences between two groups during the full range of lumbar spine. Devices, such as digital videofluoroscopy can assist in identifying better criteria for diagnosis of LSI in otherwise nonspecific low back pain patients in hope of providing more specific treatment.

A Preliminary Study of the Objective Measurement of Compliance Rates for Semirigid Lumbar-Support Use in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: How Important Is the Compliance Rate?

STUDY DESIGN: Clinical pilot study. PURPOSE: To objectively evaluate the compliance rate of lumbar-support use in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain, as well as to assess low back pain intensity, disability, and fear-avoidance beliefs. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Wearing time is an important factor in the assessment of the efficacy of lumbar-support use in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Previous studies have measured lumbar-support wearing time based on subjective assessment, and these evaluations are not easily verifiable and are usually overestimated by subjects. METHODS: Twelve subjects with chronic nonspecific low back pain who had been wearing semirigid lumbar supports for 6 weeks were evaluated. Compliance was objectively monitored using temperature sensors integrated into the semirigid lumbar supports. Subjects wore their lumbar supports for 8 hour/day on workdays and 3 hour/day on holidays during the first 3 weeks. During the next 3 weeks, subjects were gradually weaned off the lumbar supports. Pain intensity was measured using a numerical rating scale. The Oswestry disability index was used to assess the subjects' disability. Fear-avoidance behavior was evaluated using a fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean compliance rate of the subjects was 78.16%±13.9%. Pain intensity was significantly lower in patients with a higher compliance rate (p=0.001). Disability index and fear-avoidance beliefs (functional outcomes) significantly improved during the second 3-weeks period of the treatment (p<0.001, p=0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The compliance rate of patients wearing lumbar supports is a determining factor in chronic low back pain management. Wearing semirigid lumbar supports, as advised, was associated with decreased pain intensity, improved disability index scores, and improved fear-avoidance beliefs in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Orthotic treatment of idiopathic hyperkyphosis with Milwaukee brace.

BACKGROUND: Hyperkyphosis with unknown reason is common in teenagers and can be corrected by orthotic management. OBJECTIVES: Investigation of orthotic outcomes by Milwaukee brace. METHODS: Sixty-one patients with idiopathic hyperkyphosis (> 45 degrees) were given Milwaukee brace before skeletal maturity. Hyperkyphosis was measured during the first visit without brace, in-brace, at the end of full-time and part time duration of treatment. After treatment completion, participants were categorized in two groups: with hyperkyphosis of 45 degrees and less (Group I) and more than 45 degrees (Group II). These groups were compared to interpret the treatment outcomes. RESULTS: The mean kyphotic curve was 60.1 (SD ± 7.7) and 71 (SD = 10.1) degrees in Group I and II, respectively. The mean kyphotic curve at the time of full time and part time duration of treatment showed no significant difference in patients successfully completed the treatment (P = 0.10) while there was a significant difference between mean kyphotic curve in full time and part time treatment duration for patients with hyperkyphosis of more than 45 degrees (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperkyphosis of less than 70 degrees can be treated if the in-brace correction is saved in part-time duration.

Predictors of curve flexibility in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a retrospective study of 100 patients.

Curve flexibility in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) was one of the major concerns of spinal surgeons since the evolution of surgical correction techniques. In this respect, many tried to identify which criteria denote more rigid curve. In the present study, we aimed toward determining important factors influencing AIS curve flexibility on supine bending films. We assessed radiographs of 100 patients with AIS for direction of curves, number of involved vertebrae, apical vertebral translation and rotation, magnitude of main thoracic curve and T5-T12 kyphosis. Statistical analysis performed via stepwise linear regression model with these variables plus age and sex against flexibility index. According to regression analysis, there was a clear relationship between flexibility indexes (FI) and magnitude of main thoracic curve at all (P<0.001). When we consider flexible curves (FI>50%) against rigid curves, apical vertebral rotation was a major determinant of curve flexibility also (P<0.001). Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis curves with larger Cobb's angle and apical vertebral rotation show less flexibility on supine bending films.

Assessment of forward head posture in females: observational and photogrammetry methods.

BACKGROUND: There are different methods to assess forward head posture (FHP) but the accuracy and discrimination ability of these methods are not clear. OBJECTIVES: Here, we want to compare three postural angles for FHP assessment and also study the discrimination accuracy of three photogrammetric methods to differentiate groups categorized based on observational method. METHOD: All Seventy-eight healthy female participants (23 ± 2.63 years), were classified into three groups: moderate-severe FHP, slight FHP and non FHP based on observational postural assessment rules. Applying three photogrammetric methods - craniovertebral angle, head title angle and head position angle - to measure FHP objectively. RESULTS: One - way ANOVA test showed a significant difference in three categorized group's craniovertebral angle (P< 0.05, F=83.07). There was no dramatic difference in head tilt angle and head position angle methods in three groups. According to Linear Discriminate Analysis (LDA) results, the canonical discriminant function (Wilks'Lambda) was 0.311 for craniovertebral angle with 79.5% of cross-validated grouped cases correctly classified. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that, craniovertebral angle method may discriminate the females with moderate-severe and non FHP more accurate than head position angle and head tilt angle. The photogrammetric method had excellent inter and intra rater reliability to assess the head and cervical posture.

Treatment stability of Milwaukee brace in idiopathic hyperkyphosis.

BACKGROUND: The Milwaukee brace is an efficient method for correcting hyperkyphosis before skeletal maturity. However, loss of correction in long-term follow-up is inevitable. OBJECTIVES: To determine loss of correction and factors affecting the loss of correction. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: A total of 49 corrected patients by Milwaukee brace participated minimum 2 years after treatment completion. The participants were categorized into two groups based on their roentgenograms: Group 1 (n = 36) had kyphotic curves of 45° or less and Group 2 (n = 13) had kyphotic curves of more than 45°. RESULTS: The mean loss of corrections for Group 1 and Group 2 were 3.80° (ranges = 0°-13°) and 12.92° (ranges = 8°-22°), respectively. Group 1 showed no significant difference between the average hyperkyphosis of the patients for the part-time and full-time treatment duration (p = 0.02). By contrast, a significant difference was observed between the average hyperkyphosis of patients in Group 2 for the part-time and full-time treatment duration (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with kyphosis of 60° or less who can save the correction in full-time orthotic treatment in part-time treatment may have the least loss of correction over time. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As the orthotic treatment is a time-consuming method that needs the close collaboration of patient and treatment team, it is possible that clinicians predict the probable result of treatment and efficiency of orthotic treatment. Thus, a clinician can abandon orthotic treatment and refer the patient for an operation.

The effects of two spinal orthoses on balance in elderly people with thoracic kyphosis.

BACKGROUND: Hyperkyphosis increases the risk of falls for elderly people by reducing postural balance. Spinomed orthosis and the posture-training support are two available options for improving postural balance but have never been compared. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of the Spinomed orthosis and the posture-training support on balance in elderly people with thoracic hyperkyphosis. STUDY DESIGN: This study is a clinical trial on an accessible sample of elderly people with thoracic kyphosis. METHOD: Eighteen participants (16 women and 2 men), aged 60-80 years, with thoracic kyphosis greater than 50°, completed the study procedure. Subjects were randomly allocated to two groups, namely, Spinomed orthosis and the posture-training support groups. Sensory organization test and limits of stability were assessed using the EquiTest system and the Balance Master system, respectively. Balance score, directional control, and reaction time were measured to evaluate balance with and without orthosis in a random order. RESULTS: In the posture-training support group, significant changes were observed in the studied balance parameters: balance score (p < 0.001), directional control (p = 0.027), and reaction time (p = 0.047). There was a significant change in balance score (p < 0.001) and directional control (p = 0.032) in the Spinomed group. However, there were no significant differences in the effect of the two orthoses, the Spinomed orthosis and posture-training support, on balance factors. CONCLUSION: Both Spinomed orthosis and posture-training support may improve balance in the elderly with thoracic hyperkyphosis in a similar manner.

The effects of stabilizing exercises on pain and disability of patients with lumbar segmental instability.

BACKGROUND DATA: Lumbar segmental instability (LSI) is one of the subgroups of non-specific chronic low back pain. Pain, functional disability and reduced muscle endurance are common in such patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of stabilization exercise on pain, functional disability and muscle endurance in patients with LSI. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was carried out on 30 patients who had LSI aged between 18-45 years. They were divided into two groups; the control group underwent routine exercise only while the experimental group performed routine exercise plus stabilization training for 8 weeks. Both had 3 months follow-up. The variables included pain intensity, functional disability and flexion and extension range of motion and flexor, extensor and lateral flexor muscles endurance which were evaluated 3 times; before, post treatment and after three months. The data were analyzed using repeated measurement ANOVA. RESULTS: The results revealed that after treatment, the trunk muscle endurance and flexion range of motion increased significantly and the pain intensity and functional disability decreased significantly in both groups; however the rate of improvement was significantly higher in the experimental group. The process of decreasing pain intensity and functional disability in addition to increasing muscle endurance time %was were significantly faster in the experimental group during the three months follow up. CONCLUSION: Regarding the positive effects of stabilizing exercises with routine exercises in reduction of pain intensity, increasing functional ability and muscle endurance, it is recommended to use this method in treatment of patients with lumbar segmental instability.

Results of Milwaukee and Boston braces with or without metal marker around pads in patients with idiopathic scoliosis.

Bracing is the non-operative treatment of choice for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and careful application of pads on apical segment of curve is very important for correction. Control of pads` appropriate site in brace is not easy by clinical evaluation. Therefore, we decided to compare results of braces which for better control of pads by radiographs, metal marker inserted around pads with those without metal marker. We evaluated 215 consecutive cases (182 female, 33 male) of AIS with 342 major curves from 1993 to 2003. Mean initial age was, 13.2 ± 1.8 years (9-16) and mean duration of follow-up was, 16.1 ± 16.4 months (0-114) that treated by 4 type of brace; 89 with type 1(Milwaukee with metal pads), 87 with type 2 (Milwaukee with simple pads), 17 with type 3 (Boston with metal pads) and 22 with type 4(Boston with simple pads). Cobb angle recorded at 5 stages (initial, best, wean, stop and final follow-up). Mean initial Cobb was 36.2°, at stop stage, 35.2° and reached 38° at final follow-up. Overall, 21.3% improved, 42.2% were the same and 36.5% failed. Failure for braces type 1 to 4 were, 40.5%, 34%, 38% and 24% at final follow-up. A total of 59 patients (27.4%) underwent spinal fusion that for brace type 1 to 4 , was, 33, 21, 2 and 3 patients respectively. From 16 cases with initial Cobb of 50°, at follow-up, 12 were ≥50° or had spinal fusion. Correction of lumbar (P=0.008) and main thoracic curves (P=0.002) was better by Boston than Milwaukee, however, In general difference between 4 types of braces was not significant and metal marker had no significant effect on results. Two important predictors of brace failure were, initial curve magnitude and brace type, but using metal marker around pads had no effect in results. It seems that bracing did not alter the natural history of scoliosis in early Risser stages with large magnitude of initial curves. Insertion of metal marker around pads is easy and cheap way that facilitate control of pad sites well, so, we recommend to use.

The prevalence of distal junctional kyphosis following posterior instrumentation and arthrodesis for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Distal junctional kyphosis (DJK) is a radiographic finding in patients that undergo spinal instrumentation and fusion, since there is an abrupt transition between fixed and mobile spinal segments.The true incidence of DJK is variable in literature and seems that has a multifactorial etiology. A consecutive series of 130 patients (mean age 15.6 years) with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation were evaluated by analyzing coronal and sagittal angulation and balance measurements from standing radiographs obtained pre-operatively, within 6 weeks post-operation, at two years postoperative and at the latest follow-up. There was 35 male and 95 female. The mean time of follow-up was 36 months. The incidence of DJK at latest follow-up was 6.9% (9 patients). In DJK group, distal junctional angle from pre-operative of -12.5° lordosis (-30 to 0) reached to -5.5° (P=0.015) at 6 weeks postoperation and to -1.4° (-20 to 12°) (P=0.000) at 2 years follow-up,with mean of 12.1° kyphotic change (10-20°). In non DJK group, distal junctional angle from pre-operative angle of -7.5° reached -8.1° at 2 years follow-up (P=0.43). The mean age of DJK group at surgery was 17 years and for non-DJK group was 15.4 years (P=0.022). Distal junctional kyphosis was less common in this study than previous reports and stabilized after two years. The magnitude of coronal cobb angles or multiplicity of coronal curves had no effect in developing DJK that may be prevented by incorporation of the first lordotic disc into the fusion construct.

Application of rehabilitative ultrasound in the assessment of low back pain: a literature review.

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common work-related conditions affecting all populations both in industrialized and non-industrialized countries, with reported high prevalence and incidence rates and huge direct and indirect costs. Among various suggested causes of LBP, dysfunction of back muscles, particularly lumbar multifidus and transverse abdominis, has been the subject of considerable research during last decades. Of the available imaging techniques, ultrasound (US) imaging technique is increasingly used to assess muscle dimensions and function as a valid, reliable and non-invasive approach. The purpose of the present study was to review the previously published studies (1990-2009) concerning the merit of US imaging of lumbar and abdominal muscles with particular attention to its clinical application in patients with LBP. Studies showed wide variation in terms of methodology, sample size, procedure, definition of LBP, heterogeneous sample, method of analyzing US imaging, US imaging parameters, etc. However, a convincing body of evidence was identified that supports US imaging as a reliable and valid tool both to differentiate patients with LBP from normal subjects and to monitor the effect of rehabilitation programs.

The effect of pelvic floor muscle exercise on women with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Dysfunction of spinal stability seems to be one of the causes of low back pain (LBP). It is thought that a large number of muscles have a role in spinal stability including the pelvic floor muscle (PFM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PFM exercise in the treatment of chronic LBP. After ethical approval, a randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out on 20 women with chronic LBP. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: an experimental and a control group. The control group was given routine treatment including electrotherapy and general exercises; and the experimental group received routine treatment and additional PFM exercise. Pain intensity, functional disability and PFM strength and endurance were measured before, immediately after intervention and at 3 months follow-up. In both groups pain and functional disability were significantly reduced following treatment (p<0.01), but no significant difference was found between the two groups (p>0.05). All measurements were improved in both groups (p<0.01) although patients in the experimental group showed greater improvement in PFM strength and endurance (p<0.01). It seems that the PFM exercise combined with routine treatment was not superior to routine treatment alone in patients with chronic LBP.