• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 2007

Purpose: As a preliminary study, the purpose of this study was to examine the indirect estimation of the lumbar intervertebral disc size by two anthropometric methods, in order to compare these indirect methods with the direct analysis by radiological imaging. Methods: The wrist, elbow, knee, and ankle joint (both right and left) diameters were measured in 52 volunteers, and then intervertebral disc size was calculated using two anthropometric methods (Colombini and modified Colombini). The data were analysed with independent t-test to assess clinical usefulness. Results: When using right and left joint diameter, there was no significant difference in the estimation value of the L4-5 and L5-S1 intervetebral disc sizes. However, the study has shown that male subjects have significantly larger L4-5 and L5-S1 intervertebral disc sizes, compared with those of female subjects. In addition, disc sizes calculated by Colombini's formula were significantly larger than modified Colombini's formula. Conclusion: The indirect estimation of the intervertebral disc size by anthropometric method can be considered as a clinically useful method. However, further study should be conducted to compare anthropometric values with other radiological imaging.