3D point cloud in the evaluation of processes that generate instability of the lumbar spine

Nuvem de pontos tridimensional na avaliação de processos que geram instabilidade da coluna lombar

Nube de puntos tridimensional en la evaluación de procesos que generan inestabilidad de la columna lumbar

OBJECTIVE:

To integrate patients with lumbar instability in a multisensor platform in the process of assessment and diagnosis, assigning quantitative parameters for the sagittal balance (SB) and muscle function.

METHODS:

Experimental study involving adult patients diagnosed with diseases that cause alterations in the SB, that were or were not submitted to surgery with posterior instrumentation and fusion. Each patient underwent anthropometric measurements in body composition scale; a kinesiological analysis using a multisensor platform consisting of depth camera to static/dynamic analysis for the quantitative measurement of SB, and surface electromyography to capture the level of abdominal and lumbar muscles activation and through flexion and extension.

RESULTS:

Seven adult patients: five females (62.5%)and two men (37.5%) with a mean age 48 years. Images with depth cameras resulted in a SB of from -6.4 to +5.3cm (average -5.7cm). In individuals with positive sagittal balance the percentage of activation (PA) of the abdominal muscles was 58.5% and the lower back lumbar was 75.25%; patients with negative SB integrated the PA of the abdominal muscles of 70.25% and lumbar of 65%; the patient with neutral SB exhibited activation of the abdominal muscles of 87.75% and lumbar muscles of 78.25%.

CONCLUSIONS:

We observed a trend towards positive SB in patients with overweight and obesity by BMI, as well as increased activation of the abdominal muscles. The multi sensor platform is a useful tool for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases involving sagittal imbalance.

Joint instability; Lumbosacral region; Postural balance; Electromyography