For targeting L3-L4 during traction, the hips should be in which range?

For targeting L3-L4 during traction, the hips should be in which range?

• A. 60-75 degrees
• B. 0-15 degrees
• C. 75-90 degrees
• D. 45-60 degrees

Answer: (C)

In lumbar traction, the level of the spine you target depends on how the hips and knees are positioned, because that changes the curvature of the lumbar spine and the direction of the traction force. When the hips are flexed to end range (about 75–90 degrees), the pelvis tilts and the lumbar spine flexes more. This increased lumbar flexion places the mid-lumbar segments, around L3–L4, into a position where the traction force effectively distracts those discs and facet joints. If you use less hip flexion, the lumbar spine stays more neutral or extended, which tends to bias the distraction toward other lumbar levels and not specifically the mid-lumbar region. So, to target L3–L4 with traction, you position the hips in a high flexion range, roughly 75–90 degrees.

In lumbar traction, the level of the spine you target depends on how the hips and knees are positioned, because that changes the curvature of the lumbar spine and the direction of the traction force. When the hips are flexed to end range (about 75–90 degrees), the pelvis tilts and the lumbar spine flexes more. This increased lumbar flexion places the mid-lumbar segments, around L3–L4, into a position where the traction force effectively distracts those discs and facet joints.

If you use less hip flexion, the lumbar spine stays more neutral or extended, which tends to bias the distraction toward other lumbar levels and not specifically the mid-lumbar region. So, to target L3–L4 with traction, you position the hips in a high flexion range, roughly 75–90 degrees.