Abstract

VELEZ-PATINO, J. A.; RIOS-SANCHEZ, L. M.; OCHOA-JARAMILLO, F. L.  and  DIAZ-LEON, C. A.. Pelvic anteversion as cause of back pain, patellofemoral syndrome and growing pains. Rev. Soc. Esp. Dolor [online]. 2014, vol.21, n.2, pp.75-83. ISSN 1134-8046.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1134-80462014000200003.

Introduction: Back pain, patellofemoral syndrome and "growing pains" are increasingly common in children and adolescents, both with incidence and precocity of appearance. In most cases their etiology is unknown. Objective: The objective of this research was to explore the possible association of these three entities with pelvic anteversion. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with case-control analysis, comprising a group of 30 symptomatic children aged between 6 and 17 years (cases) who had consulted for low back pain, "growing pains" or sore knees, and a control group of 30 children with no history of pain in these areas (controls). To measure the position of the pelvis and other biomechanical variables a software programme was developed that quantifies these measurements from reflective markings located on specific anatomical landmarks of each child. Other measurements were obtained through semiological tests and interviews with children and their parents. Results: Children and adolescents with pain had more pelvic anteversion compared with controls (mean 13.3 and 5.4 degrees, p < 0.001). They also had less strength in muscles: Lumbar extensor, abdominals, psoas and diaphragm. We found that psoas is the muscle most responsible for pelvis anteversion in symptomatic group. Compared with children without pain, those with back pain, patellofemoral syndrome or "growing pains" have 4.2 times more frequent poor or regular strength in the column extensor muscles. They also have nearly 18 times as likely to have a pelvic angle greater than 10 degrees compared with no pain children. Conclusions: Children and adolescents who suffer from back pain, patellofemoral syndrome and "growing pains" have increased pelvic anteversion and lower muscle strength, mainly in the thoracolumbar spine extensors, abdominals, diaphragm and psoas. The study found that the psoas muscle is most responsible for the development of pelvis anteversion. Pelvic anteversion is associated with low back pain, patellofemoral pain syndrome and "growing pains".

Keywords : Pelvis; Anteversion; Back pain; Patellofemoral pain syndrome; Children.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )