LUMBAR SPINE LENGTH AND CURVATURE RESPONSES TO AN AXIAL LOAD USING AN MRI-COMPATIBLE COMPRESSION HARNESS

SUMMARY This study was undertaken to study the effect of axial compression on the lumbar spine using a MRI-compatible compression device. The lumbar spine of 8 young volunteers was axially compressed with a load of 50% of the subject’s body weight. Sagittal lumbar MRI was performed to assess intervertebral angle, disc height and spinal length before and during compression. A significant increase in intervertebral angle was noted at L3/4 and a decrease at L5/S1. There was a significant decrease in disc height only at L4/5. Spinal length decreased in all subjects following compression. The use of the compression device at a load of 50% body weight provides morphological simulation of the lumbar spine in upright posture. These results provide possible insights related to the relatively high frequency of lumbar disc diseases at L4/5.