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European Spine Journal

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01-09-2021 | Original Article

Normative values of cervical sagittal alignment according to global spine balance: based on 126 asymptomatic Chinese young adults

Authors: Yanchao Tang, Wenkui Zhao, Xiaoguang Liu, Miao Yu

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 9/2021

Abstract

Purpose

To explore the normal distribution of cervical sagittal alignment and the relationship between cervical alignment and global spine balance in asymptomatic young adults.

Methods

A total of 67 males and 59 females aged from 18 to 30 years old were recruited from 11/2011 to 12/2014. The C₀-C₂ angle, disk angles from C₂-C₃ to C₆-C₇, vertebral angles from C₃ to C₇, T₁ slope, thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence, sacral slope, C₂-C₇ sagittal vertical axis (SVA), center of gravity of head to C₇ SVA (CGH-C₇SVA), C₇-S₁SVA were measured and statistically analyzed. The Roussouly classification was utilized.

Results

Mean value of C₀-C₇ was 26.0° ± 12.8°, composed of 15.2° ± 6.7° for C₀-C₂, 9.1° ± 12.1° for sum of disk angles from C₂-C₃ to C₆-C₇, and 1.4° ± 10.2° for sum of vertebral angles from C₃ to C₇. C₂-C₇SVA (18.6 mm ± 7.9 mm) and CGH-C₇SVA (22.9 mm ± 12.3 mm) were offset ideally by C₇-S₁SVA (-21.6 mm ± 31.0 mm). Significant difference was found between cervical alignment of different Roussouly types (p < 0.01). There was significant correlation between cervical alignment and T₁ slope (p < 0.01), TK (p < 0.01). There was significant correlation between adjacent segmental angles from T₁ slope up to C₀-C₂ angle (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Normative values of each vertebral angle and disk angle were established. The cervical lordosis occurred mainly at C₀-C₂ and disk levels, which was influenced by parameters of other parts of the spine, such as T₁ slope, TK and the Roussouly classification. There was significant correlation between adjacent disk angles.

Level of evidence I

Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with the consistently applied reference standard and blinding.

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Title: Normative values of cervical sagittal alignment according to global spine balance: based on 126 asymptomatic Chinese young adults
Authors: Yanchao Tang
Wenkui Zhao
Xiaoguang Liu
Miao Yu
Publication date: 01-09-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 9/2021
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-021-06756-w

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Normative values of cervical sagittal alignment according to global spine balance: based on 126 asymptomatic Chinese young adults

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Level of evidence I

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Level of evidence I

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