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JRRD at a Glance

New method for determining apparent axial center
of rotation of lumbar and thoracic spine segments

Sanjum P. Samagh, MS, et al.

Figure 2. Marker points established for data collection in sample lumbar spinal segment. Each row of markers is defined by a region, with region 1 = posterior part of vertebral body bordering vertebral endplates, region 2 =anterior spinal canal, region 3 = middle spinal canal, region 4 = posteriorspinal canal, and region 5 = area encompassing facet joints and spinous process.

A main challenge regarding the spine is determining its rotational axis. Previous research on this topic has yielded contradictory results because of the anatomic and functional complexity of the spine. The objective of this study was to determine the apparent axial center of rotation by developing and validating a new method. With a better understanding of spine biomechanics, the future of treatment for back pain and instability, particularly in the lower segments, may need to be reexamined. Medical or surgical interventions for the spine could also potentially be improved through a better understanding of the spinal center of rotation.

Volume 48 Number 5, 2011
Pages 587 — 596

View HTML ¦ View PDF ¦ Contents Vol. 48, No. 5

This article and any supplementary material should be cited as follows:
Samagh SP, Rosen CD, Otarodifard K, Kornswiet M, Palmer G , Lee TQ. New method for determining apparent axial center of rotation of lumbar and thoracic spine segments.
J Rehabil Res Dev. 2011;48(5):587-96.
DOI:10.1682/JRRD.2010.09.0168

Last Reviewed or Updated Tuesday, May 31, 2011 8:29 AM

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