Distraction of lumbar vertebrae in gravitational traction.

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study of 30 patients diagnosed with low back pain resulting from lumbar disc herniation, disc degeneration, and segmental instability. Patients underwent gravitational traction, and widening of the intervertebral space and posterior facets was measured on radiographs. This same procedure was performed with a group of 30 healthy individuals. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of gravitational traction on the widening of the intervertebral space and the other vertebral structures in patients with low back pain and in healthy individuals. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Gravitational traction is performed by suspending the patient in a hanging, upright position for an extended period of time. In spite of disagreement among authors about the effect of lumbar traction, recent innovations have enabled the distraction of vertebrae. METHODS: A specially designed apparatus was used to apply gravitational traction. Pre- and post-traction radiographs were obtained to study the changes in the L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 intervertebral spaces; Ferguson's angle; L1-S1 total distance; and blood pressure. RESULTS: Distraction was more than approximately 3 mm in each intervertebral space in both groups. CONCLUSION: Gravitational traction had a very apparent effect on intervertebral space and was found to be an effective method to distract lumbar vertebrae. Discomfort experienced by the patient during suspension may be overcome by making biomedical changes to the suspension corset.