Normal spinopelvic parameters and correlation analysis in 217 asymptomatic children

Understanding spinal sagittal balance is crucial for assessing and treating spinal deformities in pediatric populations.

The aim of the present observational study is to examine the parameters of sagittal alignment of the regional spine and spinopelvic region in asymptomatic pediatric populations and the characteristics of these parameters with age and sex.

We enrolled 217 participants, consisting of 112 males (51.6%) and 105 females (48.4%), aged between 4 and 15 years, with an average age of 12.19 years. Pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, T1 slope, C7 slope, cervical sagittal vertical axis, and C2–7 Cobb angle were measured. Three spine surgeons conducted radiographic measurements utilizing the PACS software. The measurement reliability was assessed through ICCs.

Our results show significant age-related changes in pelvic tilt and cervical sagittal vertical axis, with notable gender differences in pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, and thoracic kyphosis. Girls have larger PT, boys have larger cSVA. PI, PT, and cSVA also differ among different age groups. Correlation analysis shows that a series of relationships that align with adult population patterns between pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis, and thoracic kyphosis.

Significant variations in PT and cSVA across diverse age cohorts highlights notable disparities in the distribution of PT and cSVA values within the pediatric population. Gender-based differences in PT, LL, and TK and correlation in spinopelvic parameter could enhances our understanding of compensatory mechanisms.