Abstract
Radiographs revealed lateral tilting into intervertebral space of the lumbar spine in 117 of 163 cases of acute locked back. The affected level was L3/4 in 3.1%, L4/5 in 25.8%, and L5/S in 42.9%, The mean lateral tilting angle was 2.6° K. Of these cases scoliosis associated with vertebral body rotation thought to be related to proble s of facet joint motion was noted in 36%, Therapy consisted of 90-90 traction aimed at reducing the facet joint subluxation. Making use of the weight of the trunk and pelvis, the 90-90 traction was imposed to allow assumption of a position to reduce the lordosis and gently open the posterior facet joint, thereby acting to reduce the facet joint subluxation. After the 90-90 traction, the lateral tilting deformity was improved in all cases, and at the same times symptoms were alleviated. The above finding suggest that subluxation of the facet joint is a major factor in the development of acute locked back.
