Instability of the lumbar spine due to disc degeneration. A finite element simulation

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to assess: (1) static innominate asymmetry in the sagittal plane, (2) leg length discrepancy (LLD), and (3) the relationship between static innominate rotation and LLD in asymptomatic collegiate athletes. The study was an observational study by design which took place in a University athletic training research laboratory. The participants were twenty-four male and 20 female asymptomatic intercollegiate athletes who volunteered to take part in the study. Static innominate asymmetry was assessed with a caliper/inclinometer tool and LLD was measured with a tape measure using standard clinical methods. Results showed that forty-two subjects (95%) demonstrated some degree of static innominate asymmetry. In 32 subjects (73%), the right innominate was more anteriorly rotated than the left. Nearly all subjects were determined to have unequal leg lengths with a majority, 30 subjects (68%), showing a slightly longer left leg. Weak correlations (r = 0.33 - 0.44) were identified between static innominate asymmetry and LLD. In conclusion static innominate asymmetry and LLD are common among asymptomatic collegiate athletes. This information provides clinicians with normative data of common clinical measures in a physically active population. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.