Normal sagittal parameters of global spinal balance in children and adolescents: a prospective study of 646 asymptomatic subjects

Gabriel Gutman, Hubert Labelle, Soraya Barchi, Pierre Roussouly, Éric Berthonnaud, Jean-Marc Mac-Thiong

October 2016, Volume 25, Issue 11, pp 3650 - 3657 Original Article Read Full Article

First Online: 20 June 2016

Purpose

To document values for parameters of global spinal balance in asymptomatic children and adolescents.

Methods

Multicenter prospective study of normal sagittal global spinal balance in Caucasian children and adolescents. Spinosacral angle (SSA), spinal tilt (ST), and C7 translation ratio were evaluated in 646 asymptomatic children and adolescents (276 males and 370 females).

Results

Mean and standard deviation for SSA, ST, and C7 translation ratio were, respectively 132.1° ± 8.3°, 93.2° ± 4.6° and −0.7 ± 8.3. Mean ± 2 standard deviations were, respectively 116°–149° for SSA and 84°–102° for ST. C7 plumbline was behind the HA (hip axis) in 78 % of subjects. Correlations between global balance and age were small (−0.17 ≤ r ≤ 0.19).

Conclusion

Asymptomatic children and adolescents tend to stand with a stable global balance, and 95 % have an SSA and ST between 116° and 149° and 85°–102°, respectively. C7 plumbline in front of the HA is not necessarily associated with a spinal pathology.

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