Ortho Kinematics: Revolutionizing Spine Motion Analysis

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Spine motion matters

Evaluating the function of complex biologic systems requires advanced functional diagnostic tests. However, static end-range x-ray images of the spine do not reflect the complexities of spine motion. For other complex systems in the body, doctors use functional diagnostic tests that enable them to visualize performance. For instance, since the 1970’s fluoroscopy has been used to assess cardiac performance—providing a real time view of the heart as it functions.

	Key Functions	Variable	Diagnostic
	Pump blood Transport blood	Heart function Fluid dynamics	EKG Fluoroscopy
	Weight-bearing; Shock absorption Multi-level, complex articulation	Structural integrity Health of discs Vertebral motion	X-rays MRI End-range X-rays

End-range x-rays completely ignore spine motion, making the diagnosis of mid-range instabilities, like laxity, impossible. Thus, while researchers^1-4 have demonstrated the importance of mid-range motion, it has remained “off limits” diagnostically.

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1. Ogon M, Bender BR, Hooper DM, et al. A dynamic approach to spinal instability, part II: hesitation and giving-way during interspinal motion. Spine 1997;22:2859-2866
2. Pope MH, Frymoyer JW, Krag MH. Diagnosing instability. Clin Orthop. 1992;279:60-67
3. Panjabi MM. The stabilizing system of the spine. Part I. Function, dysfunction, adaptation, and enhancement. J Spinal Disord 1992;5:383-9
4. Panjabi MM. The stabilizing system of the spine. Part II. Neutral zone and instability hypothesis. J Spinal Disord 1992;5:390-6