ABSTRACT

Correlation between coronal imbalance and radiological parameters in Lenke type 5C curves treated with posterior pedicle screws were studied and effects on the clinical results were evaluated.

Sixteen patients with Lenke type 5C AIS operated between years 2008-2015 were included in this study. Ten patients (62.5%) were female and 6 (37.5%) were males. The average age of patients were 15.5 years and mean follow-up duration was 37 months. The parameters affecting coronal and sagittal balance were measured on patients’ pre-operative, post-operative and last control X-rays. SRS-22 questionnaire was applied to the patient for the clinic satisfaction of the patients postoperatively.

Patients were divided to 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 8 patients with preserved coronal balance, and group 2 consisted of 8 patients with coronal imbalance. Radiological and clinical parameters of the groups were compared statistically in the early and late postoperative period. When patients’ demographic data and radiological parameters were compared preoperatively and early postoperatively, no statistical differences were observed between two groups. In the last control assessment in group 2, the major TL/L curvature, minor thoracic curvature, SVL, thoracic apical vertebrae ( TAV) translational amount and L4/5 disc angle were found to be significantly different (p<0.05). No statistical difference in terms of clinical outcomes were observed between 2 groups.

We found that minor thoracic curvature, TAV translation and L4 / 5 disc angle have an impact on coronal balance in long-term, however no correlation was found between radiological coronal imbalance and clinical outcomes.