A Study of the Range of Motion of the Lumbar Spine after a L4-5 Fusion
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Study of the Range of Motion of the Lumbar Spine after a L4-5 Fusion
IRAS ID
128496
Contact name
Francisco Mauricio Martinez Lozada
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Research summary
When performing a lumbar fusion operation surgeons are concerned with the effects that this technique could have on the rest of the spine. Clinical studies have shown that although fusion techniques provide effective stability at the surgical site, spinal movement at adjacent sites is altered, promoting accelerated degeneration of the intervertebral disc situated above and/or below the fixed segment.\n\nFor this investigation a 3 dimensional finite element model of the lumbosacral spine was created from a CT scan obtained from a healthy patient. This model was used as the basis for creating additional models representing three surgical lumbar fusion procedures, enabling an investigation into the stress in the lumbar spine caused by fusion of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae (L4-L5). To validate the model an in-vivo test is needed to quantify the range of motion as expressed by the angular separation of the vertebrae between a normal standing position and a maximally flexed or extended spine in healthy participants. The results of the test will be compared with the range of motion predicted by the computational model \nIn this research each participant that have undergone a L4-5 fusion procedure in the last 2 years will undertake 2 activities. In the first activity, the subject will be standing in a normal position and will perform a maximal flexion movement and return to the standing position. Once the subject return to the upright position, the second activity will consist of maximal extension motion and return to the natural vertical posture. The process is listed below.\n\nFor this investigation two wireless motion tracking sensors (MTw) will be placed on the participant over the L1 lumbar vertebra and over the S1 sacral vertebra to calculate the angular separation between the L1 vertebra and the S1 vertebra.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0488
Date of REC Opinion
13 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion