Is there any coexistence of sacroiliac joints dysfunction with dysfunctions of occipito-atlanto-axial complex? Part II: The biomechanical aspect

IntroductionAs the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) join two kinematic chains, the pelvis and the vertebral column, their functional disorders cause secondary changes in the musculoskeletal system. Other reasons concerning a connection between its distant parts are tensegrity principles that govern tension distribution in tendons, muscles, fasciae and ligaments. Our hypothesis was that due to a biomechanical connection between SIJ and cervico-cephalic joints (CCJ), dysfunctions in the SIJ can determine dysfunctions in the CCJ.AimThe aim of this study was to assess various types of SIJ dysfunctions (ilio-sacral and sacro-iliac) and their possible coexistence with CCJ dysfunctions.Materials and methodsThe study group comprised 80 patients with low back pain, 40 of whom were diagnosed with SIJ dysfunctions. The examination of the suboccipital region by Kaltenborn and Evjenth was conducted by a researcher who was unaware of the results of the pelvis examination. StatGraphics Centurion XV was employed for data analysis.Results and discussionCCJ dysfunctions were detected in almost all subjects. There was a statistically significant difference in mobility and in gliding of the C0–C1 segment between both groups. The restricted mobility on the left side of the C0–C1 segment was statistically significant. The detected abnormal stability on the right side of the C1 motion segment in the study group did not correlate with the side of the SIJ dysfunction.ConclusionsThere was no dominant dysfunction of the SIJ. The prevalence of dysfunctions of the upper cervical motion segments was high in the study group. There was a tendency towards larger numbers of dysfunctions concerning the right CCJ than the left one observed in patients with SIJ dysfunctions.