The AAO Journal, 2025/06, 35(2):28–29. doi: 10.53702/i2375-5717-35.2.13, type of study: ,rct,

Full text    (https://aaoj.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/aaoj/35/2/article-p13.xml)

Keywords:

innominate flares [1]
randomized controlled trial [947]

Abstract:

Introduction/Background: Recent studies suggest a link between innominate inflare/outflare, rotational, and shear patterns, but findings are limited due to a lack of large-scale studies. This study aims to establish baseline patterns of innominate flares with rotational and shear components to help optimize treatments for these dysfunctions. Objective: This research aims to understand the distribution of innominate flares in a healthy population and how they correlate with innominate somatic dysfunctions (SD). Methods: Participants (n=64) were randomly assigned to be evaluated using a double-blinded protocol assessing innominate rotational and flare SDs. This included a palpatory qualitative diagnosis and a measurement quantitative diagnosis. Two researchers measured flare distances (cm) from the umbilicus to the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS) for inter-reliability. Quantitative data was used to determine the distribution of SD diagnoses, and correlations were identified within the subject population. Results: Anterior innominate rotation SDs (39.68% of total) are the most correlated innominate SD with both Inflares and Outflares. Left-sided flare dysfunctions were primarily correlated with superior shear SDs (25.40%), while right-sided flare dysfunctions were correlated most with anterior innominate rotations (28.57%). Inflare and outflare patterns are commonly observed when the affected side’s PSIS is superior (36.51% and 33.33%, respectively), such as with anterior innominate rotations and superior innominate sheers. Inflare patterns are rarely associated with inferior shear innominate dysfunctions (3.17%). Discussion/Conclusion: The findings suggest that addressing inflare or outflare SD with osteopathic manipulation may indirectly aid anterior innominate rotation SDs. Further studies are needed to validate these observations and refine treatment protocols, potentially for pediatric skeletal malformations. A limitation was the lack of additional bony landmark measurements to qualify diagnoses.