Different Arm Positions and the Shape of the Thoracic Spine Can Explain Contradictory Results in the Literature About Spinal Loads for Sitting and Standing

Objective of the Study was to find an explanation for the contradictory results in literature regarding spinal loads for sitting and standing. In several in vivo studies, the intradiscal pressure was shown to be higher for sitting than for standing. However, stadiometric measurements, load measurements on internal spinal fixators,and 1 study on intradiscal pressure have shown contradictory results. It therefore remains unknown whether sitting or standing causes greater loading on the spine. Methods. Telemeterized VBR was implanted into 5 patients. Implant loads were measured in several sessions during standing and during relaxed sitting on a stool. In the sitting position, the subjects' arms were either hanging at their sides or placed on their thighs. The shape of the back during sitting and standing was additionally determined by rasterstereography.

	testo originale in inglese