J Korean Med Assoc.  2021 Nov;64(11):743-747. 10.5124/jkma.2021.64.11.743.

Clinical and radiographic parameters for patients with adult spinal deformity

• Kim HJ
• Chang DG

• KMID: 2522450
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2021.64.11.743

Abstract

Background
Improved medical care and increased life expectancy have led to a focus on the impact of adult spinal deformity (ASD) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the field of the spine. Recently, there has been a paradigm shift in the evaluation and management of ASD regarding the important correlation between sagittal imbalance and clinical outcomes.
Current Concepts
Loss of lumbar lordosis is recognized as a key driver of ASD followed by forward-leaning of the trunk, reducing thoracic kyphosis, pelvic retroversion, and knee flexion. Radiological assessment has been critical for evaluating ASD from the anteroposterior and lateral view of the whole spine radiograph. Important parameters include coronal, regional, global, and sagittal spinopelvic parameters. Especially, sagittal spinopelvic parameters significantly correlate with disability and HRQoL in patients with ASD, which can influence the process of decision-making with respect to the choice between conservative treatment and surgery.
Discussion and Conclusion
Sagittal imbalance has been recently emphasized in patients with ASD. Therefore, the decision-making of ASD treatment should be focused on restoring harmonious alignment to prevent catastrophic complications and improvement of HRQoL.

Keyword

Spinal diseases; Deformities; Quality of life; Radiography; 척추질환; 변형; 삶의 질; 영상촬영