Which position on the traction table would best open the intervertebral foramen?

Which position on the traction table would best open the intervertebral foramen?

• A. Prone
• B. Supine with hips and knees flexed
• C. Supine with hips and knees straight
• D. Sidelying with a bolster under the lumbar spine

Answer: (B)

Opening the intervertebral foramen is best achieved with lumbar flexion, which increases foraminal height and reduces posterior compression on the exiting nerve roots. Placing the patient supine with hips and knees flexed produces the greatest lumbar flexion among the options, so the foramina widen most effectively for traction. In contrast, prone position extends the spine and narrows the foramina; supine with straight legs keeps the spine more extended; and sidelying with a bolster under the lumbar spine doesn’t create as much sustained flexion, so it won’t open the foramina as well.

Opening the intervertebral foramen is best achieved with lumbar flexion, which increases foraminal height and reduces posterior compression on the exiting nerve roots. Placing the patient supine with hips and knees flexed produces the greatest lumbar flexion among the options, so the foramina widen most effectively for traction. In contrast, prone position extends the spine and narrows the foramina; supine with straight legs keeps the spine more extended; and sidelying with a bolster under the lumbar spine doesn’t create as much sustained flexion, so it won’t open the foramina as well.