Spinopelvic parameters in patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and failed back syndrome: Comparison vis-à-vis normal asymptomatic population and treatment implications

Sagittal balance in sitting and standing positions: A systematic review of radiographic measures

Background

Sagittal imbalance can be caused by various etiologies and is among the most important indicators of spinal deformity. Sagittal balance can be restored through surgical intervention based on several radiographic measures. The purpose of this study is to review the normal parameters in the sitting position, which are not well understood and could have significant implications for non-ambulatory patients.

Methods

A systematic review was performed adhering to PRISMA Guidelines. Using R-software, the weighted means and 95% confidence intervals of the radiographic findings were calculated using a random effect model and significance testing using unpaired t-tests.

Results

10 articles with a total of 1066 subjects reported radiographic measures of subjects with no spinal deformity in the sitting and standing position. In the healthy individual, standing sagittal vertical axis -16.8°was significantly less than sitting 28.4° (p < 0.0001), while standing lumbar lordosis 43.3°is significantly greater than sitting 21.3° (p < 0.0001). Thoracic kyphosis was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.368). Standing sacral slope 34.3° was significantly greater than sitting 19.5° (p < 0.0001) and standing pelvic tilt 14.0° was significantly less than sitting 33.9° (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

There are key differences between standing and sitting postures, which could lead to undue stress on surgical implants and poor outcomes, especially for non-ambulatory populations. There is a need for more studies reporting sitting and standing radiographic measures in different postures and spinal conditions.

Relationship between spinal structural damage and sagittal balance in axial spondyloarthritis: Is the thoracic spine the starting point?

OBJECTIVES

To assess the relationship between spinal structural damage, sagittal balance parameters and spine curvatures in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, the pelvic and sagittal balance parameters were obtained through EOS® (Biospace, Paris, France). Patients were divided into three groups according to the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) tertiles (G1 ≤6, n = 36; G2: 6.1-31, n = 36; G3 >31, n = 35) and pelvic and sagittal parameters were compared across them. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to analyze the impact of spinal structural damage and of other factors on sagittal vertical axis (SVA), an important sagittal balance parameter.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients was included. G2 and 3 exhibited higher mean values of thoracic kyphosis T1-T12 when compared to G1 (10.5°(12.3) vs. 22.3°(17.3) vs. 35.2°(14.6), p < 0.001), and G3 demonstrated lumbar L1-S1 straightening compared to the other groups (55.7°(9) and 50.7°(19.8), G1 and G2, respectively, vs. 35.7°(13.2), p < 0.001). Mean SVA values showed an increasing gradient from G1 to G3 (21.6(25.1) vs. 41(44.3) vs. 84.3(47.2)mm, p < 0.001). In the multivariable regression, a one-unit increase in total mSASSS was associated with an average 0.8 mm higher SVA.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed that more spinal structural damage is associated with a higher SVA, reflecting poorer sagittal balance. Patients with increasing spinal damage have an important increase in thoracic kyphosis suggesting that postural modifications in patients with axSpA might have their origin in the thoracic spine.

Evaluation of spinopelvic parameters in patients with lumbosacral transitional vertebra: a cross sectional and comparative study

INTRODUCTION

Lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) is the most common congenital anomaly of the lumbosacral junction and is a frequent cause of back pain in young patients with a prevalence of 4.6% to 36% in different regions.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate spinopelvic parameters in patients with lumbosacral transitional vertebra and to compare them with the same parameters of low back ache patients without lumbosacral transitional vertebra.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional and comparative study conducted among low back ache patients presenting to our tertiary care center. Low back ache patients presenting to the outpatient department of AIIMS Jodhpur were screened for LSTV using radiographs. The spinopelvic parameters of those with LSTV were measured using Surgimap software and compared with the parameters of low back ache patients without LSTV. An Independent sample t-test was done and p-values were calculated.

RESULTS

The spinopelvic parameters, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis differed significantly in the patients with LSTV. Pelvic incidence was higher in the group with LSTV (58.5+9.3) when compared to the group without LSTV (50+8.8) with a p-value (<0.001). Pelvic tilt was higher in the group with LSTV (19.4+8.8) when compared to the group without LSTV (13.6+7.8) with a p-value (0.001). Lumbar lordosis was significantly higher in the group with LSTV (57.6+13.2) when compared to the group without LSTV (50.7+12.2) with a p-value (0.007). No significant differences were obtained in sacral slope and Pelvic-incidence and lumbar lordosis mismatch.

CONCLUSION

LSTV alters the spinopelvic parameters. Altered spinopelvic parameters predispose to spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, and facet joint arthritis and are important in preoperative planning in spine and pelvic surgeries.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: No Longer a Surgeon's Defeat-A Narrative Review

The introduction of the term Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome (PSPS-T1/2), replacing the older term Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS), has significantly influenced our approach to diagnosing and treating post-surgical spinal pain. This comprehensive review discusses this change and its effects on patient care. Various diagnostic methods are employed to elucidate the underlying causes of back pain, and this information is critical in guiding treatment decisions. The management of PSPS-T1/2 involves both causative treatments, which directly address the root cause of pain, and symptomatic treatments, which focus on managing the symptoms of pain and improving overall function. The importance of a multidisciplinary and holistic approach is emphasized in the treatment of PSPS-T1/2. This approach is patient-centered and treatment plans are customized to individual patient needs and circumstances. The review concludes with a reflection on the impact of the new PSPS nomenclature on the perception and management of post-surgical spinal pain.

A comparison of long-term efficacy of K-rod-assisted non-fusion operation and posterior lumbar interbody fusion for single-segmental lumbar disc herniation

K-rod-assisted non-fusion surgery for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation has been proven to have short-term clinical efficacy. Meanwhile, its long-term effects have not been examined. To observed the long-term clinical efficacy of K-rod-assisted non-fusion operation, this study retrospectively analyzed 22 patients with lumbar disc (L4/5) herniation who underwent K-rod-assisted non-fusion operation (n = 13) or PLIF (n = 9). They were followed-up for more than 5 years. The operation times and blood loss were significantly reduced in the K-rod group compared to the PLIF group. At the last follow-up, the clinical outcomes of the K-rod group were improved compared to those of the PLIF group as observed by the VAS score, JOABPEQ, and ODI. Imaging outcomes at the last follow-up indicated that the loss of height in the L3/4 and L5/S1 intervertebral space, the ROM of L3/4 and L5/S1, and the incidence of adjacent segment degeneration in the PLIF group were significantly higher than those in the K-rod group. According to Pfirrmann grading, Modic changes, and UCLA grading, the incidence of adjacent segment degeneration was 55.6% in the PLIF group and 15.4% in the K-rod group. Changes in spino-pelvic parameters between the two groups were as follows: pelvic index remained unchanged, pelvic tilt angle increased, and lumbar lordosis and sacral slope decreased. Therefore, compared to PLIF, single-segment lumbar disc herniation using K-rod-assisted non-fusion surgery resulted in better long-term clinical efficacy. Our results demonstrate that this procedure can delay adjacent segment degeneration after lumbar surgery.

Pelvic and sacral morphology and their correlation with pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis, and lumbar alignment changes between standing and sitting postures

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective Cross-Sectional Radiographic Study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe novel radiographic markers of sacropelvic morphology to further define the static and dynamic relationship between the pelvis and the spine, via the analysis of two postures - standing and sitting.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

There is increasing evidence underlining the importance of spinopelvic radiographic parameters in the holistic management of sagittal spinal deformity given the close relationship between pelvic morphology and spinal profile.

METHODS

This is a retrospective radiographic study of patients who presented with the first episode of isolated mechanical, low back pain of fewer than 3 months' duration. All patients underwent whole spine radiographs using EOS technology in both standing and relaxed sitting postures. Six novel distance measurements (H1, H2, H3, V1, V2, DD) to determine pelvic dimensions, and 3 novel angles (A, B, C) to determine sacral morphology were described.

RESULTS

A total of 64 males (58.2%) and 46 females (41.8%) with a mean age of 42.8 ± 18.6 (range:17-81) years old was studied. Between standing and relaxed sitting postures, differences were observed in all sagittal radiographic parameters. Multivariate analysis showed that standing LL< 50⁰ (p = 0.008), standing V1 > 13 cm(p = 0.040), and angle B> 80⁰(p = 0.002) are predictive of PI< 5⁰⁰, standing TK< 30⁰ (p = 0.003) and PI< 50⁰ (p = ⁰.006) are predictive of LL< 5⁰⁰, and standing PT< 17⁰(p = 0.034), standing H3 ≥ 4 cm (p = 0.030), standing angle C< 42⁰ (p = 0.003), sitting SS≥ 6⁰ (p = ⁰.002), and sitting PT < 45⁰ (p = 0.013) are predictive of change in LL below mean difference of 42⁰ between standing and relaxed sitting.

CONCLUSIONS

Apart from the known correlation between TK, LL and PI, low PI was found to be associated with a tall pelvis and a straight sacrum (angle B). Association between a small coccygeal inclination angle (angle C) and smaller change in LL between standing and relaxed sitting may have clinical relevance.

Relationship of aortic bifurcation with sacropelvic anatomy: Application to anterior lumbar interbody fusion

INTRODUCTION

Various sacropelvic parameters such as the pelvic Incidence (PI) are used to predict ideal lumbar lordosis and aid surgical planning. The objective of this study was to establish the relationship between the location of the aortic bifurcation from the sacral promontory and sacropelvic measures including the PI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred sixty five computed tomography (CT) scans obtained for major trauma including the entire spine were identified. Sacropelvic parameters including PI, sacral anatomic orientation, pelvic thickness (PTH), and sacral table angle were measured. Aortic bifurcation was identified on sagittal and coronal imaging and the distance from the sacral promontory (bifurcation-promontory distance [BPD]) measured (mm).

RESULTS

Mean age of the cohort was 44.3 years (SD 18.5; range 16-88 years); 61.8% male. The mean PI was 49.2° (SD 10.2°; range 30°-80°). The mean BPD was 66.4 mm (SD 13.1 mm; range 38.3-100 mm). In the majority, the bifurcation was at the level of the L4 vertebral body (72.7%). Only age (r = -.389; p < .0001) and PTH (r = .172; p = .027) correlated with the BPD to a significant degree. PI did not correlate with BPD (r = .061; p = .435). Linear regression analysis provided the following predictive equation: BPD = 34.3 mm + 0.30 × PTH.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a lack of any meaningful correlation between sagittal pelvic parameters and the distance of the aortic bifurcation from the sacral promontory. Surgical planning for fusion surgery in the lumbar spine should include assessment of spinopelvic parameters and if anterior access to the lumbar disc(s) necessary, vascular anatomy should be carefully assessed independent of these measures.