Current methods for cervical spine movement evaluation: A review

Cervical spine mobility is difficult to investigate accurately because of i ts anatomic structure and the compensatory movements. Differ ent methods ha ve been conceived in order to obtain a reliable measurement of cervical ran ge of movement (ROM). We reviewed different instruments described in the li terature: xrays, CT and MRI, goniometer; inclinometer, cybex and related de vices, and optoelectronic scanners, Cybex and 3D kinematic analysis by means of opto-electronic scanners (Elite system) seemed to be the most reliable and reproducible methods. Cybex equ ipment is relatively inexpensive and easy to use in a clinical setting whil e the Elite system is expensive and requires special training of the person nel. However the choice of method depends primarily on whether the physicia n's goal is a clinical screening or a thorough investigation of neck functi on (e.g., post-traumatic cervical spine disorders). For the first purpose, certain types of goniometers (gravity goniometer, ad modum Myrin), as well as the cybex, show good reproductibility and reliability in evaluating maxi mal cervical ROM (flexion-extension, rotation, lateral bending), while x-ra ys and above all, 3D kinematic analysis (using opto-electronic scanners) ar e more suitable for diagnostic and follow-up evaluation of neck disorders.