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European Spine Journal

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01-02-2018 | Original Article

Invariance of head-pelvis alignment and compensatory mechanisms for asymptomatic adults older than 49 years

Authors: Celia Amabile, Jean-Charles Le Huec, Wafa Skalli

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 2/2018

Abstract

Purpose

The aim was to quantify the postural alignment of asymptomatic elderly, in comparison to a reference population, searching for possible invariants and compensatory mechanisms.

Methods

41 volunteers (49–76 years old) underwent bi-planar X-rays with 3D reconstructions of the spine and pelvis. Alignment parameters were compared with those of a reference group of asymptomatic subjects younger than 40 years old, with a particular focus on center of acoustic meati (CAM) and odontoid (OD) with regard to hip axis (HA). Possible markers of compensation were also investigated.

Results

No significant difference among groups appeared for CAM-HA and OD-HA parameters. Twenty four percent of elders had an abnormally high SVA value and twenty seven percent had an abnormal global spine inclination. Increased pelvic tilt and cervical lordosis allowed maintaining the head above the pelvis.

Conclusions

CAM-HA and OD-HA appeared quasi-invariant even in asymptomatic elderly. Some subjects exhibited alteration of spine alignment, compensated at the pelvis and cervical regions.

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Title: Invariance of head-pelvis alignment and compensatory mechanisms for asymptomatic adults older than 49 years
Authors: Celia Amabile
Jean-Charles Le Huec
Wafa Skalli
Publication date: 01-02-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4830-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Invariance of head-pelvis alignment and compensatory mechanisms for asymptomatic adults older than 49 years

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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