Abstract

OLMEDO-BUENROSTRO, Bertha Alicia et al. Assessment of a postural reference frame as a diagnostic test for lumbar lordotic posture. Gac. Méd. Méx [online]. 2006, vol.142, n.1, pp.39-42. ISSN 2696-1288.

Introduction: Studying lumbar lordosis (LL) in large patient populations is not a practical approach due to the technical limitations of the gold standard. Objective: Determine the specificity of a postural reference frame (PRF) in the diagnosis of LL. Methods: A PRF (wooden frame using strings as a reference for measuring the distance between lumbar curvature and the glutei) was used as a diagnostic test to asses LL. The Ferguson angle, a radiologic evaluation, was used as gold standard. Specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the PRF were determined. Results: One hundred and ten subjects were studied (58 women, 52 men). Mean age was 18.8 ± 3 years, weight 63 ± 12 kg, height 164 ± 8 cm and body mass index (BMI) 23.2 ± 4 kg/m². With a cut-off point ³7 cm, test specificity w as 94%, sensitivity was 17%, PPV was 50%, and NPV was 75%. Conclusion: The postural reference frame as an assessment tool is highly specific and can aid in the diagnosis of LL among young asymptomatic patients.

Keywords : Diagnostic test; sensitivity; specificity; lumbar lordosis; Ferguson angle.

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