Three-dimensional evaluation of lumbar orthosis effects on spinal behavior.

The effects of the lumbosacral Lumbostab orthosis on intervertebral mobility, spinal geometry, and the geometrical deformations of discs have been investigated with a three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction technique of the lumbar spine. Positions studied are neutral standing, maximal flexion, extension, left lateral bending, and left axial rotation. Results from this preliminary study indicate that the orthosis has a tendency to reduce vertebral mobility and discal deformations mainly at the upper segments (L1-L3), while it seems to increase vertebral displacements and discal deformations at the lower levels.