Implications of Spinopelvic Alignment for the Spine Surgeon

Neurosurgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 707-721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivek A. Mehta ◽  
Anubhav Amin ◽  
Ibrahim Omeis ◽  
Ziya L. Gokaslan ◽  
Oren N. Gottfried

Abstract The relation of the pelvis to the spine has previously been overlooked as a contributor to sagittal balance. However, it is now recognized that spinopelvic alignment is important to maintain an energy-efficient posture in normal and disease states. The pelvis is characterized by an important anatomic landmark, the pelvic incidence (PI). The PI does not change after adolescence, and it directly influences pelvic alignment, including the parameters of pelvic tilt (PT) and sacral slope (SS) (PI = PT 1 SS), overall sagittal spinal balance, and lumbar lordosis. In the setting of an elevated PI, the spineadapts with increased lumbar lordosis. To prevent or limit sagittal imbalance, the spine may also compensate with increased PT or pelvic retroversion to attempt to maintain anupright posture. Abnormal spinopelvic parameters contribute to multiple spinal conditions including isthmic spondylolysis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, deformity, and impact outcome after spinal fusion. Sagittal balance, pelvic incidence, and all spinopelvic parameters are easily and reliably measured on standing, full-spine (lateral) radiographs, and it is essential to accurately assess and measure these sagittal values to understand their potential role in the disease process, and to promote spinopelvic balance at surgery. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature regarding the implications of abnormal spinopelvic parameters and discuss surgical strategies for correction of sagittal balance. Additionally, the authors rate and critique the quality of the literature cited in a systematic review approach to give the reader an estimate of the veracity of the conclusions reached from these reports.

Neurosurgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 76 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S42-S56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivek A. Mehta ◽  
Anubhav Amin ◽  
Ibrahim Omeis ◽  
Ziya L. Gokaslan ◽  
Oren N. Gottfried

Abstract The relation of the pelvis to the spine has previously been overlooked as a contributor to sagittal balance. However, it is now recognized that spinopelvic alignment is important to maintain an energy-efficient posture in normal and disease states. The pelvis is characterized by an important anatomic landmark, the pelvic incidence (PI). The PI does not change after adolescence, and it directly influences pelvic alignment, including the parameters of pelvic tilt (PT) and sacral slope (SS) (PI = PT 1 SS), overall sagittal spinal balance, and lumbar lordosis. In the setting of an elevated PI, the spineadapts with increased lumbar lordosis. To prevent or limit sagittal imbalance, the spine may also compensate with increased PT or pelvic retroversion to attempt to maintain anupright posture. Abnormal spinopelvic parameters contribute to multiple spinal conditions including isthmic spondylolysis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, deformity, and impact outcome after spinal fusion. Sagittal balance, pelvic incidence, and all spinopelvic parameters are easily and reliably measured on standing, full-spine (lateral) radiographs, and it is essential to accurately assess and measure these sagittal values to understand their potential role in the disease process, and to promote spinopelvic balance at surgery. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature regarding the implications of abnormal spinopelvic parameters and discuss surgical strategies for correction of sagittal balance. Additionally, the authors rate and critique the quality of the literature cited in a systematic review approach to give the reader an estimate of the veracity of the conclusions reached from these reports.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 61 (5) ◽  
pp. 981-986 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cédric Barrey ◽  
Jérôme Jund ◽  
Gilles Perrin ◽  
Pierre Roussouly

Abstract OBJECTIVE The main objectives of this study were to analyze and compare spinopelvic parameters, including the pelvis shape, in a population of 40 patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis (DSPL) and to compare these patients with a control group of asymptomatic volunteers. METHODS Forty patients with DSPL were included in this study. Spinopelvic parameters were analyzed on preoperative full spine x-rays in a standardized standing position. The following spinopelvic parameters were measured: pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope, pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, and positioning of the C7 plumb line. The population of patients was compared with a control population of 154 normal and asymptomatic adults who were studied in a recently published study. In order to understand variations of spinopelvic parameters, a control group was matched according to the PI, which is a morphological parameter. RESULTS The PI was significantly greater for patients with DSPL (60.1 ± 10.6 degrees) compared with the control group (52 ± 10.7 degrees) (P < 0.0005). After matching according to the pelvic incidence, the DSPL population was characterized by an anterior translation of the C7 plumb line (P < 0.05), a loss of lumbar lordosis (P < 0.0005), and a decrease of the sacral slope (P < 0.0005). Retrolisthesis and/or segmental intervertebral hyperextension were observed in the upper lumbar spine in 30% of the cases. CONCLUSION Matching according to the PI between the patients in the study and the control group enabled us to understand variations of the spinopelvic parameters in a population of patients with DSPL. DSPL patients were characterized by a greater PI than the asymptomatic population; therefore, we suggest that a high PI may be a predisposing factor in developing DSPL. Finally, we observed significant variations in spinopelvic alignment, such as loss of lordosis and sagittal unbalance, which were partially compensated by pelvis back tilt and hyperextension in the upper lumbar spine.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diyu Song ◽  
Guoquan Zheng ◽  
Tianhao Wang ◽  
Dengbin Qi ◽  
Yan Wang

Abstract Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients with kyphosis have an abnormal spinopelvic alignment and pelvic morphology. Most studies focus on the relationship of pelvic tilt (PT) or sacral slope (SS) and deformity, and relatively few studies have addressed the relationship between pelvic incidence (PI) and kyphosis in AS patients. The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between pelvic incidence (PI) and the spinopelvic parameters describing local deformity or global sagittal balance in AS patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis. Methods: A total of 94 patients with AS (91 males and 3 females) and 30 controls were reviewed. Sagittal spinopelvic parameters, including PI, PT, SS, thoracic kyphosis (TK), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), lumbar lordosis(LL), sagittal vertical axis(SVA), the first thoracic vertebra pelvic angle(TPA), spinosacral angle(SSA) and spinopelvic angle(SPA) were measured. Pearson correlation (r) and unary linear regression model were used to analysis the relationship between PI and other spinopelvic parameters. Results: Compared with the control group, the AS patients had significantly higher PI(47.4˚ vs. 43.2˚, P<0.001). PI in AS patients was found to be significantly positively correlated with TPA(r=0.533, R2=0.284, P<0.001), and negatively correlated with SPA(r=-0.504, R2=0.254, P<0.001). However, no correlations were found between PI and SVA, SSA, TK, TLK or LL in AS patients. Conclusion: This study revealed that increasing PI was significantly correlated with more global sagittal imbalance, not with the local deformity in AS patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis. Key Words: ankylosing spondylitis, pelvic incidence, sagittal spinopelvic parameters, global sagittal balance


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Muñiz Luna ◽  
Fernando Guevara Villazón ◽  
José Enrique Salcedo Oviedo ◽  
Iván Omar Cáliz Castorena

ABSTRACT Objective: When a lumbar fractures developes a significant deformity, the sagittal balance is altered which can lead to clinical consequences. The aim of this study was to measure and analyze the sagittal balance in patients with lumbar fractures operated with posterior instrumentation after three months and analyze their correlation with the different variables of the patient and the fracture. Methods: Sixty-three medical records of patients with lumbar fracture operated with posterior instrumentation were analyzed, excluding those with previous spinal pathology, or inability to stand upright. The parameters of pelvic incidence, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, lumbar lordosis/pelvic incidence (LL/ PI) ratio, as well as the pre and postoperative status of segmental kyphosis and residual pain were measured. Results: Eighteen women, 44 men, with mean age of 42 years, with lumbar fractures: 29 in L1, 19 in L2, 10 in L3, 3 in L4 and 1 in L5. AOSpine Clasification: 2 type A1, 2 type A2, 37 type A3, 19 type A4, 2 type B. All patients were operated with a transpedicular polyaxial system. More than 80% of patients with spinopelvic balance within parameters considered normal. More than 70% with lumbar lordosis and LL/PI ratio within parameters. All with improvement of segmental kyphosis (average correction of 8.5°, p<.000). Final mean VAS of 1.85. Conclusions: The posterior instrumentation with a polyaxial system allows acceptable corrections of the segmental kyphosis of lumbar fractures. No statistically significant correlation was found between sagittal balance parameters, and characteristics of the patient and fracture. Level of Evidence IV; Case series.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-136
Author(s):  
DANIEL COSTA ◽  
OSMAR AVANZI ◽  
MARIA FERNANDA SILBER CAFFARO ◽  
ALBERTO GOTFRYD ◽  
NELSON ASTUR ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the spinopelvic parameters in patients with conservatively treated thoracolumbar burst fractures. Methods Twenty-six patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures treated conservatively between 2008 and 2017 participated in the study. Inclusion criteria were acute burst-type fractures, located between T11 and L2, which compromised a single vertebral segment, did not present a neurological deficit, and had a minimum of 6 months of follow-up, excluding injuries that presented distraction or rotation, pathological fractures, and surgically treated cases. The sagittal and spinopelvic alignment parameters, including vertical sagittal axis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis, and regional kyphosis, were analyzed. Results The values obtained for the sample showed that there was an increase in regional kyphosis and that the mean sagittal parameters and lumbar lordosis were within the values considered normal in the literature. Conclusion Patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures treated conservatively had no alterations in the spinopelvic parameters. Level of Evidence II; Retrospective study.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diyu Song ◽  
Guoquan Zheng ◽  
Tianhao Wang ◽  
Dengbin Qi ◽  
Yan Wang

Abstract Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients with kyphosis have an abnormal spinopelvic alignment and pelvic morphology. Most of them focus on the relationship of pelvic tilt (PT) or sacral slope (SS) and deformity, and relatively few studies have addressed the relationship between pelvic incidence (PI) and kyphosis in AS patients. The purpose of this study is to analyze the correlation between pelvic incidence (PI) and the spinopelvic parameters describing local deformity or global sagittal balance in AS patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis. Methods: A total of 94 patients with AS (91 males and 3 females) and 30 controls were reviewed. Sagittal spinopelvic parameters, including PI, PT, SS, thoracic kyphosis (TK), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), lumbar lordosis(LL), sagittal vertical axis(SVA), T1 pelvic angle(TPA), spinosacral angle(SSA) and spinopelvic angle(SPA) were measured. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the correlation of PI with other parameters. Results: Compared with the control group, the AS patients had significantly higher PI(47.4˚ vs. 43.2˚, P<0.001). PI in AS patients was found to be significantly positively correlated with TPA(r=0.533, R 2 =0.284, P<0.001), and negatively correlated with SPA(r=-0.504, R 2 =0.254, P<0.001). However, no correlations were found between PI and SVA, SSA, TK, TLK or LL in AS patients. Conclusion: The value of PI in AS patients with kyphosis was significantly higher than that of controls. Correlation analysis revealed that increasing PI was significantly correlated with more global sagittal imbalance, not with the local deformity in AS patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-123
Author(s):  
Zeliha Cosgun ◽  
Emine Dagistan ◽  
Yasar Dagistan

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aimed to compare the lumbar lordosis (LL) and spinopelvic parameters of patients with stage 1–2 spondylolisthesis to those of the normal population and demonstrate the importance of these parameters in sagittal balance. Methods: The lumbosacral parameters on the lateral radiographs of a total of 125 patients were retrospectively compared. Lumbosacral parameters including pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), L5 incidence (L5I), L5 slope (L5S), and sacral table angle (STA) were compared between groups. Results: Comparison of the parameters between groups revealed no sex-based differences (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Abnormal sagittal spinopelvic parameters are commonly examined for their effects on the development of spondylolisthesis and should be used in routine practice. We found that the low SS values in our study, unlike those of other similar studies, may be a compensatory mechanism developed to reduce pain and maintain sagittal balance. Level of Evidence II; retrospective study.


2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 205-209
Author(s):  
Jefferson Coelho de Léo ◽  
Álvaro Coelho de Léo ◽  
Igor Machado Cardoso ◽  
Charbel Jacob Júnior ◽  
José Lucas Batista Júnior

Objective:To associate spinopelvic parameters, pelvic incidence, sacral slope, pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis with the axial location of lumbar disc herniation.Methods:Retrospective study, which evaluated imaging and medical records of 61 patients with lumbar disc herniation, who underwent surgery with decompression and instrumented lumbar fusion in only one level. Pelvic incidence, sacral slope, pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis with simple lumbopelvic lateral radiographs, which included the lumbar spine, the sacrum and the proximal femur. The affected segment was identified as the level and location of lumbar disc herniation in the axial plane with MRI scans.Results:Of 61 patients, 29 (47.5%) had low lumbar lordosis; in this group 24 (82.8%) had central disc herniation, 4 (13.8%) had lateral recess disc herniation and 1 (3.4%) had extraforaminal disc herniation (p<0.05). Of the 61 patients, 18 (29.5%) had low sacral slope; of this group 15 (83.3%) had central disc herniation and 3 (16.7%) had disc herniation in lateral recess (p<0.05).Conclusions:There is a trend towards greater load distribution in the anterior region of the spine when the spine has hypolordotic curve. This study found an association between low lordosis and central disc herniation, as well as low sacral slope and central disc herniation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (06) ◽  
pp. 479-485
Author(s):  
Sho Dohzono ◽  
Yusuke Hori ◽  
Shinji Takahashi ◽  
Akinobu Suzuki ◽  
Hidetomi Terai ◽  
...  

Background and Study Aims Spinopelvic sagittal balance is important in managing lumbar diseases. We evaluated the change in spinal sagittal alignment after microendoscopic laminotomy in patients with low-grade degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). Material and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 87 patients who underwent microendoscopic laminotomy. We enrolled 35 patients with DS and 52 patients without DS. Spinopelvic parameters were evaluated, including the sagittal vertical axis (SVA), lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral slope, pelvic tilt, and pelvic incidence (PI). Primary outcome was a change in spinopelvic alignment between the baseline and latest follow-up values (DS group versus non-DS group). Secondary outcomes were the relationships between improved global sagittal alignment and preoperative spinopelvic parameters. Results Both groups showed significantly alleviated low back pain (LBP), leg pain, and leg numbness. Preoperative SVA and PI were significantly higher in the DS group than in the non-DS group (p < 0.05). SVA significantly decreased and LL significantly increased in the DS group (p < 0.05), whereas those parameters did not differ significantly from before versus after surgery in the non-DS group. In both groups, SVA improvement correlated significantly with preoperative SVA (DS: r = 0.702; non-DS: r = 0.397). There was also a significant intergroup difference in the correlation coefficient (z = 1.98; r = 0.048). Conclusions SVA and LL significantly improved after microscopic laminotomy in patients with low-grade DS and neurologic symptoms. SVA improvement in the DS group was correlated with preoperative spinopelvic sagittal imbalance. The strength of those correlations was greater in the DS group than in the non-DS group.


2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 272-274
Author(s):  
José Antonio Mancuso Filho ◽  
Paulo Alvim Borges ◽  
Eduardo Hideo Tsuchiya ◽  
Olavo Biraghi Letaif ◽  
Raphael Martus Marcon ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to determine whether surgery leads to changes in sagittal balance in patients with congenital scoliosis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all cases of scoliosis operated in a tertiary hospital between January 2009 and January 2013. In all cases the deformity in the coronal and sagittal planes, kyphosis, and lordosis were measured, using the Cobb method, and spinopelvic parameters: pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), and pelvic tilt (PT). Results A hundred and eleven medical records were analyzed, but the sample resulted in 10 patients, six of whom were females (60%). The average age was 13.4 years. In the comparative analysis between pre and postoperative, only the coronal deformity (12.37; CI 95% [7.88-16.86]; p<0.001), the sagittal deformity (12.71; CI 95% [4.21-21.22]; p=0.011), and the lumbar lordosis (9.9; CI 95% [0.38-19.42]; p=0.043) showed significant change. Conclusion: There was no change in the spinopelvic parameters of patients with congenital scoliosis undergoing surgery at IOF-FMUSP between 2009 and 2013; however, it was observed decrease in lumbar lordosis, and deformity angle in the sagittal and coronal planes.


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