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Published in: European Spine Journal 5/2011

01-09-2011 | Review Article

Sagittal imbalance cascade for simple degenerative spine and consequences: algorithm of decision for appropriate treatment

Authors: J. C. Le Huec, S. Charosky, C. Barrey, J. Rigal, S. Aunoble

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

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Abstract

Introduction

The main objective of all the sagittal compensating mechanisms is to allow a subject to stand and keep an erect position.

Materials and methods

The cascade of compensating mechanisms appears progressively with the increasing amount of imbalance of the spine until compensation is no longer possible. The loss of lumbar lordosis can be considered as the initiating event of sagittal imbalance. This loss of the normal lordosis pushes the C7 plumb line forward.

Results

The assessment of sagittal balance has to include to be complete: a parameter measuring the global balance of the trunk, either C7 plumb line and sacral plateau, the position of the pelvis rotation by the pelvic tilt, and a description of the position of the lower limbs. Those three parameters have been taken into account by the newly described method called full balance integrated (FBI). This evaluation is easily done on a sagittal full spine standing X-ray from C2 to the pelvis, including the first 10 cm of the femur.

Conclusion

Three questions to answer: What is the value of the pelvis incidence? Is the patient balanced? Are there compensatory mechanisms?
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Metadata
Title
Sagittal imbalance cascade for simple degenerative spine and consequences: algorithm of decision for appropriate treatment
Authors
J. C. Le Huec
S. Charosky
C. Barrey
J. Rigal
S. Aunoble
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/s00586-011-1938-8

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