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European Spine Journal

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01-07-2014 | Original Article

A comparative analysis of sagittal spinopelvic alignment between young and old men without localized disc degeneration

Authors: Youngbae B. Kim, Yongjung J. Kim, Young-Joon Ahn, Gyu-Bok Kang, Jae-Hyuk Yang, Hyungtae Lim, Seung-Won Lee

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 7/2014

Abstract

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to compare the sagittal spinopelvic parameters between young normal asymptomatic adults and older normal asymptomatic adults without localized segmental disc degeneration.

Materials and methods

Standing sagittal radiographs of the whole spine including the pelvis in 342 adult male volunteers (Group 1: n = 184, average age 21.2 years, range 19–28 vs. Group 2: n = 158, average age 63.8 years, range 53–79) were analyzed prospectively. Volunteers with history of spine operation, spinal disease, chronic pain in their back or legs, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, 1–3 segmental disc space narrowing, and/or compression fractures in radiographs were excluded. The following parameters were included: thoracic kyphosis between T5 upper endplate (UEP) and T12 lower endplate (LEP), thoracolumbar kyphosis (T10 UEP − L2 LEP), T12 LEP-horizontal (H) angle (minus denotes EP above the H line), lumbar lordosis (T12 LEP − S1 UEP), lower lumbar lordosis (L4 UEP − S1 UEP), sacral slope, pelvic incidence and distances from C7 plumb/T12 plumb to the postero-superior endplate of S1. Group 2 (old men group) demonstrated larger thoracic kyphosis (30.1° ± 8.6° vs. 21.1° ± 7.8° in Group 1, P < 0.001), thoracolumbar kyphosis (10.0° ± 7.5° vs. 2.8° ± 7.1° in Group 1, P < 0.001), total lumbar lordosis at T12–S1 (57.3° ± 8.8° vs. 52.2° ± 9.2° in Group 1, P < 0.001), lower lumbar lordosis at L4–S1 (39.4° ± 6.7° vs. 32.4° ± 6.4° in Group 1, P < 0.001), a higher ratio of lower to total lumbar lordosis (69.5 ± 11.6 vs. 62.7 ± 10.6 % in Group 1, P < 0.001) and T12 LEP-H angle (−20.4° ± 5.7° vs. −15.7° ± 5.1° in Group 1, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in sacral slope (36.5° ± 7.3° in Group 1 vs. 36.8° ± 6.7° in Group 2, P = 0.67) and pelvic incidence (46.5° ± 7.7° in Group 1 vs. 48.2° ± 8.5° in Group 2, P = 0.06). There was no significant difference in the measurement of distance from C7 plumb to the postero-superior endplate of S1 (−0.7 ± 2.4 cm in Group 1 vs. −0.3 ± 2.7 cm in Group 2, P = 0.197). However, the distance from T12 plumb to the postero-superior endplate of S1 (−0.7 ± 1.7 cm in Group 1 vs. −2.2 ± 1.7 cm in Group 2, P < 0.001) demonstrated a significant difference.

Conclusion

The old men group demonstrated a significant increase in thoracic kyphosis, thoracolumbar kyphosis, total and lower lumbar lordosis, a higher ratio of lower to total lumbar lordosis, and a longer distance from T12 plumb to the postero-superior endplate of S1 without changes in sacral slope and global sagittal balance.

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Title: A comparative analysis of sagittal spinopelvic alignment between young and old men without localized disc degeneration
Authors: Youngbae B. Kim
Yongjung J. Kim
Young-Joon Ahn
Gyu-Bok Kang
Jae-Hyuk Yang
Hyungtae Lim
Seung-Won Lee
Publication date: 01-07-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 7/2014
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-014-3236-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

A comparative analysis of sagittal spinopelvic alignment between young and old men without localized disc degeneration

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Conclusion

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