Radiographic Analysis of the Sagittal Alignment of Spine and Pelvis in Asymptomatic Indian Population.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a descriptive observational study.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study is to analyze and document the sagittal alignment of the spine and pelvis in normal Indian adult volunteers and compare these parameters with the study population of other races and ethnicities.

OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE

Given the importance of the spinopelvic parameters, there is a need to describe the parameters differentially in relation to the ethnicity of the studied individual. Very few reports have defined the normal physiological value. Ethnic differences are a significant factor not only when describing the anthropometric data but also when applying the findings to a different ethnic group. We have compared these values with other races and ethnicities so that we can know whether the principles of spinal fixation can be applied globally.

METHODS

In total, 100 participants were studied by using their anteroposterior and lateral radiographic images of whole of pelvic and spinal area. Additionally, various spinal and pelvic parameters were also measured. Subsequently, the outcomes were analyzed with respect to age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). The correlation between different parameters and differences in these parameters between Indians and other races/ethnicities along with population groups were also analyzed.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in thoracic kyphosis (TK) from T1-T12 and T4-T12 with increasing age. Lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral translation (sagittal vertical axis), and pelvic tilt were significantly higher among females. Additionally, sacral slope (SS), pelvic incidence, C7 sagittal offset, and T9 sagittal offset were also higher in females. TK (T4-T12 and T1-T12), LL, SS, and pelvic incidence showed a significant correlation with BMI. As compared to European population, TK, segmental LL, and sacral translation were found to be significantly lesser in Indian population.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a statistically significant difference between Indians and other races/ethnicities and population groups with respect to TK, LL, and sacral translation. The values obtained can be considered as the physiological normal values for Indian population. Importantly, these values can serve as the reference values for future studies.