• Gundersen B
• Henrie M

• Distraction Techniques
• Leg Injuries / therapy
• Low Back Pain / therapy
• Traction / instrumentation

Study Design: This is an observational, outcomes based study assessing the utility and efficacy of computerized long-axis lumbar traction.

Objective: To determine the long-term (5-year)outcomes of long-axis traction using a computerized axial traction approach. It was hypothesized that patients with low back pain who underwent computerized axial traction of the spine would have a reduced frequency of low back pain at five years.

Summary of Background Data: Over the last 50 years, different approaches utilizing a long-axis traction force have been applied to the cervical and lumbar spine in patients with radicular complaints. There have been a number of studies that describe the benefits of long-axis traction (see synopsis in the Appendix). Few studies have described the long-term clinical status utilizing long-axis traction.

Methods: From an original sample of 14 subjects that had low back and leg pain, 8 were selected for follow-up for this follow-up study. The outcomes tools utilized included The Revised Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, and a survey prepared by the research team.

Results: Of the 8 patients selected to be surveyed, 7 responded by returning the questionnaires. Six of the seven indicated improvement following the traction treatment. There were 3 of 6 that had a return of symptoms at some point after the treatment and 3 of 6 that had resolution of pain. Of the total that responded to the treatment, 85.7% indicated that they would refer others for the procedure.

Conclusions: In this limited study, computerized axial traction was shown to reduce low back and leg pain for up to 5 years in 43% of the cases included and for at least 2 years in 86% of the cases. Patient satisfaction with the procedure was high, as evidenced by the number of patients who would refer others for the procedure.

This excerpt is reproduced with the permission of the publisher. Click on the above link for free full text.