FLEXION AND TRACTION EFFECT ON C5-C6 FORAMINAL SPACE

Objective: To determine the effects of cervical flexion and traction o n foraminal volume and isthmus area at the C5-C6 foraminal space in ca davers. Design: This study evaluated the foraminal space at C5-C6 in c adaver specimens during flexion and traction of the cervical spine. Se tting: An orthopedic biomechanics laboratory and department of radiolo gy of a university medical center. Patients or Other Participants: Nin e cadaver cervical spines, C1 through T3, were used in the study. Supe rficial tissues were dissected, preserving the ligaments. Intervention s: Proximal and distal portions of the cadaver spines were potted usin g bone cement. Spines were mounted and imaged with computed tomography in neutral position, 15 degrees of flexion, and maximum flexion with and without 25lbs of axial traction. Main Outcome Measures: The areas and volumes of the foramen were measured and calculated. Results: Flex ion alone significantly increased the foraminal volume and isthmus are a at C5-C6, Traction resulted in little additional change. Conclusions : For cervical spines with mild to moderate degenerative changes at C5 -C6, cervical flexion with or without traction produces significant in creases in foraminal volume and area at the foraminal isthmus. (C) 199 8 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.