The impact of positive sagittal balance in adult spinal deformity.
METHODS
This study is a retrospective review of 752 patients with adult spinal deformity enrolled in a multicenter prospective database in 2002 and 2003. Patients with positive sagittal balance (N = 352) were further evaluated regarding radiographic parameters and health status measures, including the Scoliosis Research Society patient questionnaire, MOS short form-12, and Oswestry Disability Index.


OBJECTIVE
To examine patients with adult deformity with positive sagittal balance to define parameters within that group that might differentially predict clinical impact.


BACKGROUND
In a multicenter study of 298 adults with spinal deformity, positive sagittal balance was identified as the radiographic parameter most highly correlated with adverse health status outcomes.


METHODS
Radiographic evaluation was performed according to a standardized protocol for 36-inch standing radiographs. Magnitude of positive sagittal balance and regional sagittal Cobb angle measures were recorded. Statistical correlation between radiographic parameters and health status measures were performed. Potentially confounding variables were assessed.


RESULTS
Positive sagittal balance was identified in 352 patients. The C7 plumb line deviation ranged from 1 to 271 mm. All measures of health status showed significantly poorer scores as C7 plumb line deviation increased. Patients with relative kyphosis in the lumbar region had significantly more disability than patients with normal or lordotic lumbar sagittal Cobb measures.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that although even mildly positive sagittal balance is somewhat detrimental, severity of symptoms increases in a linear fashion with progressive sagittal imbalance. The results also show that kyphosis is more favorable in the upper thoracic region but very poorly tolerated in the lumbar spine.
Glassman
Steven D
SD
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, The Kenton D. Leatherman Spine Center, Louisville, KY, USA. tallgeyer@spinemds.com
Bridwell
Keith
K
Dimar
John R
JR
Horton
William
W
Berven
Sigurd
S
Schwab
Frank
F
D015331:Cohort Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007738:Kyphosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000379:methods*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*