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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2019 Dec 19;56(1):4.
doi: 10.3390/medicina56010004.

Functional Changes in Patients and Morphological Changes in the Lumbar Intervertebral Disc after Applying Lordotic Curve-Controlled Traction: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study

Chang-Hyung Lee  1 , Sung Jin Heo  2 , So Hyun Park  3 , Hee Seok Jeong  4 , Soo-Yeon Kim  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Functional Changes in Patients and Morphological Changes in the Lumbar Intervertebral Disc after Applying Lordotic Curve-Controlled Traction: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study

Chang-Hyung Lee et al. Medicina (Kaunas). .

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Lumbar traction is widely used as a non-operative treatment for lumbar intervertebral disc disease. The effect of traditional traction (TT) using linear-type traction devices remains controversial for various reasons, including technical limitations. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of the newly developed lumbar lordotic curve-controlled traction (L-LCCT) and TT on functional changes in patients and morphological changes in the vertebral disc. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 patients with lumbar intervertebral disc disease at the L4/5 or L5/S1 level as confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging were recruited and divided into two groups (L-LCCT or TT). The comprehensive health status changes of the patients were recorded using pain and functional scores (the visual analogue scale, the Oswestry Disability Index, and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire) and morphological changes (in the lumbar central canal area) before and after traction treatment. Results: Pain scores were significantly decreased after traction in both groups (p < 0.05). However, functional scores and morphological changes improved significantly after treatment in the L-LCCT group only (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We suggest that L-LCCT is a viable option for resolving the technical limitations of TT by maintaining the lumbar lordotic curve in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc disease.

Keywords: function; intervertebral disc; lumbar lordosis; morphology; pain; traction.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Lumbar traction techniques: (A) lumbar lordotic curve-controlled traction (L-LCCT) and (B) traditional traction (TT). A magnetic marker was attached to the skin at the L4 intervertebral disc space using physical palpation and an automated tracking system.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Central canal area in axial view of lumbar spine MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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