The use of spinographic parameters in the differential diagnosis of lumbar facet and disc syndromes.

Biomechanical parameters measured on lateral postural x-rays were correlated with the clinical syndromes of lumbar extension facet subluxation and herniations of the disc nucleus pulposes to determine their value as a differential diagnostic tool. Statistically significant differences in the disc angle of the involved spinal segment were found between the two test groups. Both groups also contrasted significantly with asymptomatic controls. There also appears to be distinct postural complexes associated with these syndromes, although it is not clear if these postural changes were secondary processes such as antalgia, or primary and possibly predisposing.