Comparison of online to face-to-face instruction for anatomy review in a third-year clinical course.

Objective: This project compared student learning and satisfaction of an anatomy review delivered by a face-to-face lecture (F2FL) and an online learning module (OLM) for third-year doctor of chiropractic students.

Methods: This cohort study compared student learning and satisfaction of a pediatric spinal anatomy review delivered via F2FL (cohort 1, n = 23) and OLM (cohort 2, n = 18) in 2 successive 2019 (pre-COVID) course offerings. Previously validated pre- and post-tests were given.

Reliability of Human Lumbar Facet Joint Degeneration Severity Assessed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of the assessment of lumbar facet joint degeneration severity by analyzing degeneration subscales using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in human participants.

Methods: The reliability of articular cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone sclerosis, and osteophyte formation subscales of lumbar facet joint degeneration severity was assessed in MRI images from n = 10 human participants. Each scale was applied to n = 20 lumbar facet joints (L4/5 level).

Optimizing Fingernail Imaging Calibration for 3D Force Magnitude Prediction.

This paper discusses the optimization of a fingernail imaging system for predicting fingerpad force. The effects of lighting coloration, calibration grid, and force prediction model on the registration process and force prediction accuracy of fingernail imaging are investigated. White and green LEDs are found to produce statistically similar effects on registration error and force prediction results across all three directions of force.

Grading Osteoarthritic Changes of the Zygapophyseal Joints from Radiographs: A Reliability Study.

Objective: This study tested the reliability of a 5-point ordinal scale used to grade the severity of degenerative changes of zygapophyseal (Z) joints on standard radiographs.

Methods: Modifications were made to a Kellgren grading system to improve agreement for grading the severity of osteoarthritic changes in lumbar Z joints. These included adding 1 grade of no degeneration, multiple radiographic views, and structured examiner training.

Magnetic resonance imaging zygapophyseal joint space changes (gapping) in low back pain patients following spinal manipulation and side-posture positioning: a randomized controlled mechanisms trial with blinding.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to quantify lumbar zygapophyseal (Z) joint space separation (gapping) in low back pain (LBP) subjects after spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) or side-posture positioning (SPP).

Methods: This was a controlled mechanisms trial with randomization and blinding. Acute LBP subjects (N = 112; four n = 28 magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] protocol groups) had 2 MRI appointments (initial enrollment and after 2 weeks of chiropractic treatment, receiving 2 MRI scans of the L4/L5 and L5/S1 Z joints at each MRI appointment.

Zygapophyseal joint adhesions after induced hypomobility.

Objective: Adhesions (ADH) have been previously identified in many hypomobile joints, but not in the zygapophyseal (Z) joints of the spine. The objective of this study was to determine if connective tissue ADH developed in lumbar Z joints after induced intervertebral hypomobility (segmental fixation).

Methods: Using an established rat model, 3 contiguous segments (L4, L5, L6) were fixed with specially engineered, surgically implanted, vertebral fixation devices.