STUDY DESIGN: Trunk list was measured using three different techniques to compare accuracy, precision, and ease of use. OBJECTIVE: To obtain a reproducible technique for further studies of the nature, cause, and clinical relevance of trunk list. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Gravity-induced trunk list is a clinical sign that is frequently observed in patients with low back pain and has been associated with intervertebral disc lesions. METHODS: Patients with trunk list participated in a comparison of three techniques to determine list magnitude and direction. Paired measurements of trunk list were obtained from each patient using three techniques: a plumbline, a projected shadow, and the 3SPACE Isotrak (McDonnell Douglas Electronics Company, Colchester, VT). In addition, intra- and interobserver reliability of list measurement was assessed by comparison of paired measurements by each of two observers. RESULTS: List measurements assessed by the plumbline and the projected shadow techniques were not significantly different, but the Isotrak produced data that differed significantly (P < 0.05) from both of these techniques. Comparison of intra- and interobserver repeatability of list measurement using the plumbline technique indicated no significant difference between repeated measures by each observer or between two observers. CONCLUSIONS: A plumbline is the most useful instrument for measuring static trunk list, but its limitations and the need for standardization of measurement technique must be recognized.
STUDY DESIGN: Trunk list was measured using three different techniques to compare accuracy, precision, and ease of use. OBJECTIVE: To obtain a reproducible technique for further studies of the nature, cause, and clinical relevance of trunk list. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Gravity-induced trunk list is a clinical sign that is frequently observed in patients with low back pain and has been associated with intervertebral disc lesions. METHODS:Patients with trunk list participated in a comparison of three techniques to determine list magnitude and direction. Paired measurements of trunk list were obtained from each patient using three techniques: a plumbline, a projected shadow, and the 3SPACE Isotrak (McDonnell Douglas Electronics Company, Colchester, VT). In addition, intra- and interobserver reliability of list measurement was assessed by comparison of paired measurements by each of two observers. RESULTS: List measurements assessed by the plumbline and the projected shadow techniques were not significantly different, but the Isotrak produced data that differed significantly (P < 0.05) from both of these techniques. Comparison of intra- and interobserver repeatability of list measurement using the plumbline technique indicated no significant difference between repeated measures by each observer or between two observers. CONCLUSIONS: A plumbline is the most useful instrument for measuring static trunk list, but its limitations and the need for standardization of measurement technique must be recognized.
Authors: Deed E Harrison; Rene Cailliet; Joseph W Betz; Donald D Harrison; Christopher J Colloca; Jason W Haas; Tadeusz J Janik; Burt Holland Journal: Eur Spine J Date: 2004-10-27 Impact factor: 3.134