title: [Sagittal Balance of the Spine--Clinical Importance and Radiographic Assessment].
abstract: Sagittal deformities of the spine frequently result in back pain, as patients have to expend much energy in compensation. The sagittal alignment of the spine is defined by its curvatures (lordosis and kyphosis) relative to the position of the pelvis. Diagnostic assessment is based on full spine a. p. and lateral X-rays. The sagittal balance is primarily described by different angles that can be measured, e.g. lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt and thoracic kyphosis. The quality of life can best be estimated by subtracting lumbar lordosis from the pelvic incidence. However, initial evaluation of the sagittal balance can also be based on the sagittal vertical axis. The severity of imbalance can be described by the sagittal vertical axis and the pelvic tilt, but surgical therapy necessitates a more profound analysis, which can be based on the SRS-Schwab classification.
authors.affiliation: Unfallchirurgische Klinik, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Decker
authors.affiliation: Unfallchirurgische Klinik, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover.
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.affiliation: Unfallchirurgische Klinik, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Omar
authors.affiliation: Unfallchirurgische Klinik, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Krettek
authors.affiliation: Langone Medical Center, New York University, United States.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schwab
authors.affiliation: Wirbelsäulenchirurgie, Eifelklinik St. Brigida, Simmerath.
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Trobisch
mesh_terms: D059925:Anatomic Landmarks / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D056888:Patient Positioning / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D011859:Radiography / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013121:Spinal Curvatures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013131:Spine / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*