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Published in: European Spine Journal 5/2011

01-09-2011 | Review Article

Pelvic parameters: origin and significance

Authors: J. C. Le Huec, S. Aunoble, Leijssen Philippe, Pellet Nicolas

Published in: European Spine Journal | Special Issue 5/2011

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Abstract

Introduction

The adoption by humans of an upright position resulted in broadening and verticalisation of the pelvis together with the appearance of characteristic spinal curves, has profoundly modified the structure of the muscles supporting the spine.

Material

In order to characterise the sagittal balance of the pelvis, it is necessary to define parameters based on notable biomechanical forces involved in the transmission of constraints. The angle of incidence was constructed to enable reproducible analysis of the anatomical characteristics of the pelvis in the sagittal plane. The angle of incidence is the algebraic sum of two complementary angles: pelvic tilt (PT) and sacral slope (SS). Since the value of incidence is fixed for any given patient, the sum of pelvic tilt and sacral slope is a constant value: when one increases, the other necessarily decreases.

Result

The position of the lumbar spine, attached to the sacral plateau, is thus affected by the pelvic tilt and by the sacral slope. Consequently, the pelvic parameters affect the entire underlying sagittal spinal profile.

Conclusion

Global spinal balance involves harmonisation of lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis taking into account the pelvic parameters.
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Metadata
Title
Pelvic parameters: origin and significance
Authors
J. C. Le Huec
S. Aunoble
Leijssen Philippe
Pellet Nicolas
Publication date
01-09-2011
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Spine Journal / Issue Special Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-011-1940-1

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