This project seeks to develop a novel, hospital-based ultrasonic indentation technique [UI] currently capable of quantifying large vertebral displacements into one which is capable of measuring the more subtle vertebral displacements believed to exist in the most common forms of low-back pain. Over the long term, the objective is to establish a procedure which would allow researchers and clinicians to define more clearly the relation between displacements of the spine, low back-pain, and such therapeutic interventions as spinal manipulation.

With common low-back pain remaining so poorly understood, there is a lack of clinically valid diagnostic procedures which characterize spinal displacements. Procedures which quantify these displacements should have a positive impact upon the management of low back pain. From the previous research findings of Dr. Kawchuk, it appears that the sensitivity and specificity of UI displacement measurements are greater than the existing clinical procedures [invasive or otherwise] used to diagnose arthritic conditions of the lumbar spine.

The capabilities of UI in measuring the smaller displacements of common forms of low-back pain will be tested by two developments in this research: [i] the incorporation of high-resolution UI techniques [A-mode] to decrease UI error and [ii] securing ultrasonic equipment devoted to UI related research that is to be used in outpatient settings. Using interchangeable ultrasonic transducers to identify anatomic structures [B-mode] and then assess their displacements at high resolution [A-mode] is the core unique aspect of this investigation.

Presently the absolute error of vertebral displacements measures by UI is in the order of tenths of millimeters. It is anticipated that the equipment obtained in this research will improve the accuracy up to 100-fold. With matching funds being provided by the Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation and the Medical Research Foundation, Dr. Kawchuk should be able to be assume a 5-year salaried position at the University of Calgary. Thus an indirect benefit of this award will be to provide a valuable addition to the chiropractic research infrastructure.