Influence of Axial Rotation on Chiropractic Pelvic Radiographic Analysis - Chiropractic Treatment

Influence of Axial Rotation on Chiropractic Pelvic Radiographic Analysis
February 2005)
Daniel J. Weinert, DCa
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics

Objective
The aim of the study is to explore associations between axial (y-axis) rotation of the pelvis and pelvic radiographic measurements.

Study design
Descriptive film statistics of an incrementally rotated pelvis and linear regression analysis were performed.

Methods
A phantom pelvic model was incrementally imaged (1? increments) at 40-in source-to-image distance through 10? of axial rotation. Chiropractic line drawing analysis was performed. The chiropractic examiner was blinded to the degree of rotation during the film analysis. Regression analysis was performed between axial rotation and pubic symphysis deviation, sacral width, and innominate and femur head heights. Each measurement corresponds to a chiropractic listing within the Gonstead system.

Results
Regression analysis revealed a strong association between the degree of axial rotation and each response variable: pubic symphysis deviation, sacral width, innominate height, and femur head height. The strongest relationship existed between y-axis rotation and pubic symphysis deviation.

Conclusions
Chiropractic pelvic listings are strongly influenced by positioning of the subject. A few degrees of axial rotation may create apparent misalignments of several millimeters.

a Department Chair, Diagnosis and Radiology Department, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, IA

Submit requests for reprints to: Daniel J. Weinert, DC, Diagnosis and Radiology Department, Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52803

Sources of support: Palmer College of Chiropractic.

PII: S0161-4754(05)00008-4

doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2005.01.007

© 2005 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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