E5382. Spinopelvic Measurements for Sagittal Imbalance: What the Radiologist Needs to Know
Authors
Ingrid Kjellin;
Radsource
Evelyne Fliszar;
University of California San Diego
Background
Spinopelvic sagittal imbalance and deformity, such as flatback syndrome of the lumbar spine and hyperkyphosis of the thoracic spine, are expected to increase in prevalence in an aging population. The conditions are often associated with chronic pain and disability which can be treated with bracing and physical therapy. Surgical correction is becoming more widespread and as part of the surgical planning there are several measurements that radiologists should be familiar with. This exhibit showcases the most common measurements based on radiographs of the spine and pelvis.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
Familiarize radiologists with radiographic measurement methods for the sagittal vertical axis, thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis and demonstrate abnormal cases. Show measurement methods for pelvic tilt, sacral slope, pelvic incidence as well as the spinosacral and spinopelvic angles and demonstrate abnormal cases. Demonstrate recently introduced parameters, such as the T1 pelvic angle and global tilt. Highlight the importance of the pelvis in spinal sagittal alignment. Show examples of postoperative correction of spinal sagittal deformity.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
Showcase normal and abnormal imaging findings in spinopelvic sagittal imbalance. Different causes of sagittal deformity will be displayed, including developmental, degenerative, traumatic and Scheuermann disease.
Conclusion
Spinopelvic sagittal deformity is a significant health issue in an aging population and because of chronic pain and disability, larger number of patients are being considered for surgical correction. Radiologists should be familiar with spinopelvic measurements that are important for preoperative planning and postoperative evaluation.
