Influence of postoperative sagittal balance and spinopelvic parameters on the outcome of patients surgically treated for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis

OBJECTIVE The object of this study was to determine the association between postoperative sagittal spinopelvic alignment and patient-rated outcome measures following decompression and fusion for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. METHODS The authors identified a consecutive series of patients who had undergone surgery for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis between 2008 and 2012, with an average follow-up of 3 years (range 1–6 years). Surgery was performed to address the clinical symptoms of spinal stenosis, not global sagittal alignment. Sagittal alignment was only assessed postoperatively. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on a postoperative sagittal vertical axis (SVA) < 50 mm (well aligned) or ≥ 50 mm (poorly aligned). Baseline demographic, procedure, and outcome measures were compared between the groups. Postoperative outcome measures and postoperative spinopelvic parameters were compared between groups using analysis of covariance. RESULTS Of the 84 patients included in this study, 46.4% had an SVA < 50 mm. Multiple levels of spondylolisthesis (p = 0.044), spondylolisthesis at the L3–4 level (p = 0.046), and multiple levels treated with fusion (p = 0.028) were more common among patients in the group with an SVA ≥ 50 mm. Patients with an SVA ≥ 50 mm had a worse SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) score (p = 0.018), a worse Oswestry Disability Index (ODI; p = 0.043), and more back pain (p = 0.039) than those with an SVA < 50 mm after controlling for multiple levels of spondylolisthesis and multilevel fusion. The spinopelvic parameters differing between the < 50-mm and ≥ 50-mm groups included lumbar lordosis (LL; 56.4° ± 4.7° vs 49.8° ± 4.3°, respectively, p = 0.040) and LL < pelvic incidence ± 9° (51% vs 23.1%, respectively, p = 0.013) after controlling for type of surgical procedure. CONCLUSIONS Data in this study revealed that patient-rated outcome is influenced by the overall postoperative sagittal balance as defined by the SVA.

Download Full-text

Spinopelvic Sagittal Alignment after Microendoscopic Laminotomy in Patients with Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Journal of Neurological Surgery Part A Central European Neurosurgery ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1666847 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 79 (06) ◽

pp. 479-485

Author(s):

Sho Dohzono ◽

Yusuke Hori ◽

Shinji Takahashi ◽

Akinobu Suzuki ◽

Hidetomi Terai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sagittal Alignment ◽

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis ◽

Group Versus ◽

Leg Pain ◽

Sacral Slope ◽

Sagittal Imbalance ◽

Low Grade ◽

Spinopelvic Parameters ◽

Spinal Sagittal Alignment ◽

Global Sagittal Alignment

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.

Download Full-text

A Change in Lumbar Sagittal Alignment After Single-level Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis With Normal Sagittal Balance

Clinical Spine Surgery ◽

10.1097/bsd.0000000000000179 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 30 (7) ◽

pp. 291-296 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Chi Heon Kim ◽

Chun Kee Chung ◽

Sung Bae Park ◽

Seung Heon Yang ◽

Jung-Hee Kim

Keyword(s):

Sagittal Balance ◽

Interbody Fusion ◽

Sagittal Alignment ◽

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis ◽

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion ◽

Lumbar Interbody Fusion ◽

Single Level ◽

Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Download Full-text

Lumbar Level Significantly Influences Postoperative Global Sagittal Balance Following Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy

Global Spine Journal ◽

10.1177/21925682211032563 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 219256822110325

Author(s):

Athan G. Zavras ◽

T. Barrett Sullivan ◽

Navya Dandu ◽

Howard S. An ◽

Christopher J. DeWald ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sagittal Balance ◽

Sagittal Alignment ◽

Adult Spinal Deformity ◽

Vertical Axis ◽

Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Sacral Slope ◽

Sagittal Vertical Axis ◽

Lumbar Level ◽

Global Sagittal Alignment

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: The current evidence regarding how level of lumbar pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) influences correction of sagittal alignment is limited. This study sought to investigate the relationship of lumbar level and segmental angular change (SAC) of PSO with the magnitude of global sagittal alignment correction. Methods: This study retrospectively evaluated 53 consecutive patients with adult spinal deformity who underwent lumbar PSO at a single institution. Radiographs were evaluated to quantify the effect of PSO on lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), T1-spinopelvic inclination (T1SPI), T1-pelvic alignment (TPA), and sagittal vertical axis (SVA). Results: Significant correlations were found between PSO SAC and the postoperative increase in LL ( r = 0.316, P = .021) and PT ( r = 0.352, P = .010), and a decrease in TPA ( r = −0.324, P = .018). PSO level significantly correlated with change in T1SPI ( r = −0.305, P = .026) and SVA ( r = −0.406, P = .002), with more caudal PSO corresponding to a greater correction in sagittal balance. On multivariate analysis, more caudal PSO level independently predicted a greater reduction in T1SPI (β = −3.138, P = .009) and SVA (β = −29.030, P = .001), while larger PSO SAC (β = −0.375, P = .045) and a greater number of fusion levels (β = −1.427, P = .036) predicted a greater reduction in TPA. Conclusion: This study identified a gain of approximately 3 degrees and 3 cm of correction for each level of PSO more caudal to L1. Additionally, a larger PSO SAC predicted greater improvement in TPA. While further investigation of these relationships is warranted, these findings may help guide preoperative PSO level selection.

Download Full-text

Assessment of Normal Sagittal Alignment of the Spine and Pelvis in Children and Adolescents

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2013/842624 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Hasan Ghandhari ◽

Hamid Hesarikia ◽

Ebrahim Ameri ◽

Abolfazl Noori

Keyword(s):

Children And Adolescents ◽

Sagittal Balance ◽

Sagittal Alignment ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Lateral View ◽

Old People ◽

Spinopelvic Parameters ◽

Spinopelvic Balance ◽

History Of ◽

Data History

Aim. We aimed to determine spinopelvic balance in 8–19-year-old-people in order to assess pelvic and spinal parameters in sagittal view.Methods. Ninety-eight healthy students aged 8–19 years, who lived in the central parts of Tehran, were assessed. Demographic data, history of present and past diseases, height (cm), and weight (kg) were collected. Each subject was examined by an orthopedic surgeon and spinal radiographs in lateral view were obtained. Eight spinopelvic parameters were measured by 2 orthopedic spine surgeons.Results. Ninety-eight subjects, among which 48 were girls (49%) and 50 boys (51%), with a mean age of13.6±2.9years (range: 8–19) were evaluated. Mean height and weight of children were153.6±15.6cm and49.9±13.1kgs, respectively. Mean TK, LL, TT, LT, and PI of subjects were 37.1 ± 9.9°, 39.6 ± 12.4°, 7.08 ± 4.9°, 12.0 ± 5.9°, and 45.37 ± 10.7°, respectively.Conclusion. Preoperation planning for spinal fusion surgeries via applying PI seems reasonable. Predicating “abnormal” to lordosis and kyphosis values alone without considering overall sagittal balance is incorrect. Mean of SS and TK in our population is slightly less than that in Caucasians.

Download Full-text

Implications of Spinopelvic Alignment for the Spine Surgeon

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/neu.0b013e31823262ea ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 70 (3) ◽

pp. 707-721 ◽

Cited By ~ 55

Author(s):

Vivek A. Mehta ◽

Anubhav Amin ◽

Ibrahim Omeis ◽

Ziya L. Gokaslan ◽

Oren N. Gottfried

Keyword(s):

Sagittal Balance ◽

Lumbar Lordosis ◽

Pelvic Incidence ◽

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis ◽

Disease Process ◽

Sacral Slope ◽

Sagittal Imbalance ◽

Spinopelvic Parameters ◽

Spinopelvic Alignment ◽

Spinopelvic Balance

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.

Download Full-text

Implications of Spinopelvic Alignment for the Spine Surgeon

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/01.neu.0000462077.50830.1a ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 76 (suppl_1) ◽

pp. S42-S56 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Vivek A. Mehta ◽

Anubhav Amin ◽

Ibrahim Omeis ◽

Ziya L. Gokaslan ◽

Oren N. Gottfried

Keyword(s):

Sagittal Balance ◽

Lumbar Lordosis ◽

Pelvic Incidence ◽

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis ◽

Disease Process ◽

Sacral Slope ◽

Sagittal Imbalance ◽

Spinopelvic Parameters ◽

Spinopelvic Alignment ◽

Spinopelvic Balance

Download Full-text

Effects of different pedicle screw insertion depths on sagittal balance of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis, a retrospective comparative study

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12891-021-04736-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Quan Zhou ◽

Jun-xin Zhang ◽

Yi-fei Zheng ◽

Yun Teng ◽

Hui-lin Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pedicle Screw ◽

Sagittal Balance ◽

Screw Fixation ◽

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis ◽

Leading Edge ◽

Pedicle Screw Fixation ◽

Screw Insertion ◽

Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis ◽

Screw Group

Abstract Background Few reports to date have evaluated the effects of different pedicle screw insertion depths on sagittal balance and prognosis after posterior lumbar interbody and fusion (PLIF) in patients with lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS). Methods A total of 88 patients with single-level PLIF for LDS from January 2018 to December 2019 were enrolled. Long screw group (Group L): 52 patients underwent long pedicle screw fixation (the leading edge of the screw exceeded 80% of the anteroposterior diameter of vertebral body). Short screw group (Group S): 36 patients underwent short pedicle screw fixation (the leading edge of the screw was less than 60% of the anteroposterior diameter of vertebral body). Local deformity parameters of spondylolisthesis including slip degree (SD) and segment lordosis (SL), spino-pelvic sagittal plane parameters including pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS) and lumbar lordosis (LL), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for back pain of both groups were compared. Postoperative complications, including vertebral fusion rate and screw loosening rate, were recorded. Results Except that PI in Group S at the final follow-up was not statistically different from the preoperative value (P > 0.05), other parameters were significantly improved compared with preoperative values one month after surgery and at the final follow-up (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in parameters between Group L and Group S before and one month after surgery (P > 0.05). At the final follow-up, SD, SL, LL, PT and PI-LL differed significantly between the two groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the preoperative results, ODI and VAS in both groups decreased significantly one month after surgery and at the final follow-up (P < 0.05). Significant differences of ODI and VAS were found between the two groups at the final follow-up (P < 0.05). Postoperative complications were not statistically significant between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions PLIF can significantly improve the prognosis of patients with LDS. In terms of outcomes with an average follow-up time of 2 years, the deeper the screw depth is within the safe range, the better the spino-pelvic sagittal balance may be restored and the better the quality of life may be.

Download Full-text

Analysis of Spinopelvic Sagittal Balance and Persistent Low Back Pain (PLBP) for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis (DS) following Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)

Pain Research and Management ◽

10.1155/2020/5971937 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Shuangjun He ◽

Yijian Zhang ◽

Wei Ji ◽

Hao Liu ◽

Fan He ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Sagittal Balance ◽

Interbody Fusion ◽

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis ◽

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion ◽

Low Back ◽

Lumbar Interbody Fusion ◽

Spinopelvic Parameters

Objective. To investigate the change of spinopelvic sagittal balance and clinical outcomes after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS), especially the relationship between sagittal spinopelvic parameters and persistent low back pain (PLBP). Methods. 107 patients who were diagnosed with DS and underwent PLIF in our department were enrolled retrospectively in the present study. Sagittal spinopelvic parameters including lumbar lordosis (LL), segmental lordosis (SL), height of the disc (HOD), sacral slope (SS), pelvic incidence (PI), and pelvic tilt (PT) were recorded pre- and postoperatively. Sagittal balance and clinical outcomes were compared between patients with and without PLBP. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the change of sagittal balance parameters and clinical functions. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the risk factors of PLBP. Results. It showed significant improvements of SL, HOD, and PT postoperatively. Both the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) had significant improvement postoperatively. Change of PT and SL also differed observably between patients with and without PLBP. SL and PT were correlated with NRS and ODI, and insufficient restoration of PT was an independent factor for PLBP. Conclusion. The sagittal balance parameters and clinical outcomes can be improved markedly via PLIF for treating DS. Restoration of SL and PT was correlated with satisfactory outcomes, and adequate improvement of PT may have positive impact on reducing PLBP.

Download Full-text

Evolution of Sagittal Imbalance Following Corrective Surgery for Sagittal Plane Deformity

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/neuros/nyx145 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 81 (1) ◽

pp. 129-134 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Michael M. McDowell ◽

Zachary J. Tempel ◽

Gurpreet S. Gandhoke ◽

Nicholas K. Khattar ◽

D. Kojo Hamilton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Spinal Deformity ◽

Sagittal Balance ◽

Pelvic Tilt ◽

Short Form ◽

Adult Spinal Deformity ◽

Sagittal Imbalance ◽

Consecutive Series ◽

Adult Deformity ◽

Global Sagittal Alignment

Abstract BACKGROUND: Sagittal balance in adult spinal deformity is a major predictor of quality of life. A temporary loss of paraspinal muscle force and somatic pain following spine surgery may limit a patient's ability to maintain posture. OBJECTIVE: To assess the evolution of sagittal balance and clinical outcomes during recovery from adult spinal deformity surgery. METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospective observational database identified a consecutive series of patients with sagittal vertical axis (SVA) > 40 mm undergoing adult deformity surgery. Radiographic parameters and clinical outcomes were measured out to 2 yr after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 113 consecutive patients met inclusion criteria. Mean preoperative SVA was 90.3 mm, increased to 104.6 mm in the first week, then gradually reduced at each follow-up interval to 59.2 mm at 6 wk, 45.0 mm at 3 mo, 38.6 mm at 6 mo, and 34.1 mm at 1 yr (all P < .05). SVA did not change between 1 and 2 yr. Pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) corrected immediately from 25.3° to 8.5° (16.8° change; P < .01) and a decreased pelvic tilt from 27.6° to 17.6° (10° change; P < .01). No further change was noted in PI-LL. Pelvic tilt increased to 20.2° (P = .01) at 6 wk and held steady through 2 yr. Mean Visual Analog Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and Short Form-36 scores all improved; pain rapidly improved, whereas disability measures improved as SVA improved. CONCLUSION: Radiographic assessment of global sagittal alignment did not fully reflect surgical correction of sagittal balance until 6 mo after adult deformity surgery. Sagittal balance initially worsened then steadily improved at each interval over the first year postoperatively. At 1 yr, all clinical and radiographic measures outcomes were significantly improved.

Download Full-text