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The lumbar is an organ with excellent mobility in movement but is very susceptible to interference. MRI is one of the modalities used to scan the lumbar with the results in the form of images. The optimal image is an image that has the good image quality and effective scanning time. Based on this, this study aims to determine the optimization of the combination of NSA and ETL to obtain optimal images and to determine the variation of NSA and ETL values that have optimal SNR and effective imaging time in lumbar MRI. The study was conducted by changing the combination of NSA and ETL in the sagittal section of the lumbar MRI scan T2 Fast Spin Echo (FSE). The image results are obtained by region of interest (ROI) to determine the SNR as a reference for image quality. ROI was performed on the corpus tissue, invertebrate disc, spinal cord, and CSF. The study found that SNR will increase when NSA and ETL are increased, while scanning time will increase when NSA is increased, but will decrease when ETL is increased. For the ANOVA statistical test, the results of the SNR value did not have a significant difference from the combination of NSA and ETL to the determination of the SNR value, while for the statistical test at the time of scanning there was a significant difference. These results indicate that the optimal combination of NSA and ETL for MRI examination of lumbar images is a combination of NSA 2 and ETL 32. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effect of sitting posture on the back health of students involved in remote work. Jack® human simulation software was employed to measure the impact of different seated postures on the lower back region, specifically the lumbar spine. The analysis focused on common positions adopted during extended work periods: neutral (Posture 1), flexion (Posture 2) and extension (Posture 3). Three tests were conducted in the simulated environment to predict the forces exerted on the musculoskeletal system, which are Lower back analysis (LBA), Comfort Analysis, and Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS). The results revealed that Posture 2 exhibited the highest compression force and is the least comfortable in terms of joint angles compared to the other postures while posture 3 is the least comfortable in terms of body parts. Furthermore, the musculoskeletal loading associated with working in postures 2 and 3 does not reach excessive levels, however it is required to provide ergonomic improvements. This paper also proposes strategies to enhance the working postures of university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disc replacement is used when the intervertebral discs are worn out, which is the result of degenerative diseases. In recent years, some extra attention has been paid to implant materials. In this work, models describing the mechanical behaviour of the material of the M6-L endoprosthesis were developed. The developed models were verified and validated using such experiments as uniaxial compression/tension and indentation. The results of model tests showed that the developed elastic-plastic models of the implant material can be successfully used in further modelling the mechanical behaviour of the lumbar segment of the spine with the M6-L endoprostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lumbar spine is one the most important parts of the skeletal system. In this work, a three-dimensional model of the lumbar spine was developed for further numerical studying its mechanical behavior. The resulting model was validated, verified, and an analysis of speed sensitivity was performed. The conditions of uniaxial compression were simulated imitating a standing position. The obtained data on the intradiscal pressure are consistent with the experimental data given in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we aim to provide a method based on deep learning to help clinicians diagnose lumbar spine MRI for stenosis more efficiently and with instruments that produce noisy images to make maximal usage of medical resources. To achieve the same, this paper evaluates the effect of various MRI noises, such as Gaussian, salt and pepper, speckled, etc. in boundary delineation of stenosis in MRIs of the lumbar spine using recently introduced semantic segmentation algorithm based on deep neural networks. A U-Net model was trained for segmentation and its performancewas tested on various MRI images with added noise. The proposed methodology adopted in this paper is successful in producing a considerably good performance with higher scores, which helps in identifying Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in a more efficient manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work was to compare DRL models for children and to assess the possibility of their application in Russia. The study used the DRL models proposed by the ICRP and the European Commission and data of own study of children's exposure levels at 33 X-ray machines in 29 specialized children's medical organizations. Based on the analysis of existing models and taking into account the peculiarities of Russian medical practice, it was proposed to use a model based on the effective dose with the grouping of children by age into five groups: 0, 1, 5, 10 and 15 years old to establish the Russian DRL for children. The standard dose for a single device was determined either as the median dose values for 10 patients for each age group, or as the typical study parameters for each age group. The study included 7 most frequently performed X-ray examinations: skull (PA, Lat), cervical spine (AP, Lat), thoracic spine (AP, Lat), lumbar spine (AP, Lat), chest (AP/PA, Lat), abdomen (AP), pelvis (AP). In this case, the DRL is defined as the 75th percentile of the distribution of the number of X-ray machines according to the standard effective dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is a disease that affects the bones, which are a very important part of the human body. It has a tendency to lessen the volume of bones and, as a result, affect the micro architecture of bone tissues. For decades, a variety of imaging techniques have been used to evaluate and investigate the micro architecture of disturbed and damaged bones to be able to discover bone density inadequacies. Image enhancement ,filtering, c lassification, segmentation, and other preprocessing techniques are used in image processing to diagnose the afflicted bone structure and obtain crucial information about the distorted micro architecture pattern. In this research, we have gathered rudimentary knowledge of tissues like osteoblast and osteoclast as well as a comparison evaluation of few osteoporosis detection approaches based on image processing. The goal of this study is to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis and changes in bone mass as people become older, as well as to compare the bone health of seemingly healthy males, puberty of women, and menopause women. We used a 260-person ethical database, with 130 men, 80 women (before menopausal), and 50 women (after menopausal). Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the femoral neck using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, deep learning algorithms have become one of the most popular methods and forms of algorithms used in the medical imaging analysis process. Deep learning tools provide accuracy and speed in the process of diagnosing and classifying lumbar spine problems. Deep learning tools deal with many types of medical images, including computed tomography (CT), X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is the most common method for diagnosing diseases of the lumbar spine. This paper aims to provide a general overview of how deep learning can be used to analyze lumbar spine images. It focuses on papers, results, and methods used by researchers in recent years. The presented works indicate that deep learning can be highly relied upon in the process of analyzing medical images of the lumbar spine and identifying the correct diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proposed work focuses to analyze Lumbar spine x-ray image enhancement techniques and identify suitable methods which will help to determine lumbar spine abnormality. Four image enhancement techniques are considered here and implemented. To determine the suitable image enhancement technique, the methods are related using Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR). The techniques implemented are Histogram Equalization, Contrast Stretching, Adaptive Histogram Equalization, and the proposed technique-Sequential method. The effect of tile size change in adaptive histogram equalization is also observed in this work. As the tile size is decreased PSNR gets increased. A proposed sequential method has proved a better enhancement technique statistically as well as from a visual perspective when compared with PSNR. This paper will help in further processing of lumbar spine abnormality detection like finding the prolapsed intervertebral disk and spondylolisthesis for medical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lower back pain (LBP) is included in the top 10 contributors to the overall disease burden. One of the etiologies of LBP is the intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, which in some cases, needs to be replaced with an artificial disc, the so-called total disc replacement (TDR). Unfortunately, TDR might provide post-surgical complications, including the failure in the metal-polymer assembly of TDR. The failure was argued due to the rigidity of the metal part and the shape of TDR that was not fully compliant with the anatomical features. Due to these complications, we proposed PU and monolithic construct to be alternative materials and comply with anatomical relevance. This study designed and developed a monolithic TDR made of PU lattices based on anatomical features. We focused on the IVDs in the lumbar section of the spine. The design step consisted of 3 phases: segmentation of DICOM files of IVDs using a 3D Slicer software, alignment using an Autodesk Meshmixer software, and lattice design using an Autodesk Inventor software. The manufacturing step started with a configuration setup in Simplify3D, software for computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) in 3D printing. The lattice features were fabricated using a Creality CP01 3D printer with two types of PU filaments: TPU 87A and TPU 95A. The printing results were able to construct the external curvature of the IVDs. Unfortunately, the microscopic measurement results showed that struts and holes' dimensions deviated from the design, which must be resolved in the next studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degenerative diseases and injuries of the spine are one of the main reasons for the disability of the population. Total discs arthroplasty is the main treatment for severe spinal diseases. Hence, an overview of the methods used for studying the mechanical behavior of spinal tissues during endoprosthesis replacement becomes topical. Herewith we describe the methods of an experimental and numerical study of the mechanical characteristics and functional properties of tissue and the spine elements that endoprosthesis must meet. The need is shown to develop methods for the numerical study of the mechanical behavior of the lumbar vertebrae during arthroplasty, taking into account degenerative changes in biological tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degenerative diseases of the spine tissues significantly reduce the human capability for an active life. Intervertebral discs are subject to the greatest degradation among other spinal parts. It is promising to use computer simulation for estimating the stress state and then revealing the factors affecting possible damages of the disc. Intervertebral disc is a sophisticated spinal element consisting of several materials (the nucleus, the annulus, and the cartilaginous endplates). Therefore, to develop a numerical model of the intervertebral disc, it is necessary to verify and validate the models of the materials. This paper presents new numerical models of the materials of the intervertebral disc; validation and verification of the models are performed. Validation of the models was carried out using numerical tests on tension, compression, and indentation. Good qualitative and quantitative compliance with the data of real experiments was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The revised 1994 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's NIOSH Lifting Equation (NLE) is widely used to assess the risk of injury to the spine by providing estimates of the Recommended Weight Limits (RWL) for hands. This adaptive snow-sports (skiing/snowboard) study uses the predictive equations to identify lifting situations that put adaptive instructors at risk (>2.0 LI) for lower back injuries during a routine lift of a sit-ski onto a chairlift. Using NIOSH lifting equation calculations, along with predictive equations of spinal loads using the trunk and pelvic flexion, have identified that under the RWL's calculated during our lifting activities, spinal loads exceed the recommended safe compression and shear force levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traffic police riders are exposed to prolonged static posture, causing significant angular deviation of body muscles, including lumbar angle (L1-L5). This postural alteration contributes to muscle discomfort, especially low back pain (LBP), since it is one of the most severe modern diseases nowadays. This study aims to develop a prototype (lumbar support with built-in massager system) of motorcycle seat for traffic police riders to precisely transform riders' need with comfort. There are three stages (Stage 1: Problem identification, Stage 2: Prototype development, and Stage 3: Prototype testing) involved in this study. A 100 mm visual analogue scale rating was used to assess the discomfort ratings of this prototype. The prototype testing showed good indicators in reducing riders' discomfort (31%) compared with the existing motorcycle seat. The majority of the items were statistically significant difference between the existing seat and prototype seat, namely the seat length, seat contour, vibration, physical design, tendency to slide, with/without lumbar support as well as massager, the pressure under the buttock, lower back, middle back, upper back, side of the body, buttock, and overall discomfort (p<0.05). A prototype (lumbar support with built-in massager system) does offer an alternative solution to improve motorcycle seat design ergonomically. It enhances the reduction of overall body discomfort on police riders. However, a further evaluation of the in-depth field, laboratory and clinical testing should be carried out to support the effectiveness of the prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finite element analysis has been used extensively in medical field in investigating the degrees of movement in spine and other biomechanical forces acting on spine and other bones. Bone being nonhomogeneous in nature, developing a nonhomogeneous model of vertebral bones consume much time and a tedious process requiring anatomical knowledge. Due to metal implants and artifacts, this process further becomes impossible or not possible at all. Thus, developing a homogeneous model for finite element analysis seems plausible. Hence, this study constructed a homogeneous model of lumbar vertebral bones along with the intervertebral disc using an image processing software, MIMICS Innovation Suite by Materialise. Constructed model was exported to ANSYS for FEA analysis. Results of this study was compared with the literature results and the percentage difference was found to be less than 5%. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was done between homogeneous and nonhomogeneous geometry models and the p-value was found to be 0.052. Hence, this finite element model of lumbar vertebrae is validated and can be used for further analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out to analyze the actions of caregivers when aiding a patient to sit up in bed. The new system showed that three dimensional analysis could be performed even regarding points on the subjects' bodies that were hidden from view. Using this system we were able to evaluate the performance of both lay and professional caregivers. We found a clear difference between the performances of the two types of caregivers, and noted that the professional adopted a posture that was safe and did not stress the lumbar vertebrae, whereas the layperson adopted an unsafe posture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lower back injuries are a serious concern for cricket fast bowlers. As lumbar loading is the causal mechanism of such injuries, the purpose of this study was to find relationships between lumbar loads and selected kinematic variables. Thirteen young fast bowlers (17.4 ± 1.9 years) were tested with a 3-D motion analysis system (200 Hz). Kinematics and lumbar spine kinetics were calculated about the L5/S1 joint during the arm acceleration phase. The largest kinetic values were the lumbar axial forces and lumbar flexion moments. Maximum lumbar spine moments were associated with several kinematic variables such as front knee angle, pelvic and thoracic rotation at ball release, and shoulder counter-rotation. Modifying bowling kinematics may reduce lumbar loads and reduce the potential for lower back injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are numerous methods of investigating intervertebral disc. Visualization methods are widely used in clinical practice. Histological, imunohistochemical and biochemical methods are more used in scientific research. We propose that a new spectroscopic investigation would be useful in determining intervertebral disc material, especially when no histological specimens are available. Purpose: to determine spectroscopic parameters of intervertebral disc material; to determine emission spectra common for all intervertebral discs; to create a background for further spectroscopic investigation where no histological specimen will be available. Material and Methods: 20 patients, 68 frozen sections of 20 μm thickness from operatively removed intervertebral disc hernia were excited by Nd:YAG microlaser STA-01-TH third harmonic 355 nm light throw 0, 1 mm fiber. Spectrophotometer OceanOptics USB2000 was used for spectra collection. Mathematical analysis of spectra was performed by ORIGIN multiple Gaussian peaks analysis. Results: In each specimen of disc hernia were found distinct maximal spectral peaks of 4 types supporting the histological evaluation of mixture content of the hernia. Fluorescence in the spectral regions 370–700 nm was detected in the disc hernias. The main spectral component was at 494 nm and the contribution of the components with the peak wavelength values at 388 nm, 412 nm and 435±5 nm were varying in the different groups of samples. In comparison to average spectrum of all cases, there are 4 groups of different spectral signatures in the region 400–500 nm in the patient groups, supporting a clinical data on different clinical features of the patients. Discussion and Conclusion: besides the classical open discectomy, new minimally invasive techniques of treating intervertebral disc emerge (PLDD). Intervertebral disc in these techniques is assessed by needle, no histological specimen is taken. Spectroscopic investigation via fiber optics through the needle can give additional information of needle position, assuring the needle tip is directed into intervertebral disc material. Spectroscopic analysis of intervertebral disc removed during open surgery, creates background for further investigation on intervertebral disc degeneration spectral classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the findings of a study which compared the fluoroscopic and optoelectric measures of intervertebral rotations during flexion-extension movements. The experiment noted the use of cadaveric lumbar spines that were tested on a fluoroscopic C-arm for kinematic measurements. The results of the test revealed that spinal motion can be accurately evaluated through fluoroscopic measurements of intervertebral rotations, while rotations of the fluoroscopic C-arm was found to have no statistical significance on intervertebral kinematics.

The article focuses on a study which presented a dynamic model of the human lumbar spine using the MSC ADAMS software. The software analyzed the load bearing properties of the spine in different conditions such as shocks induced from driving on a bump road. To capture the load pattern on the lumbar spine, an abrupt axial displacement was applied to the seat. The dynamic modeling illustrated how damping in intervertebral disks helped in dissipating the external energy induced to the spine.