The Impact of Spinal Pelvic Sagittal Balance on Clinical Outcomes Following Lumbar Fusion Surgery (Code: T0009)
Keywords:
Lumbar fusion, spinal-pelvic balance, sagittal alignment, degenerative lumbar disease, Oswestry Disability Index, quality of life.Synopsis
Introduction:
Lumbar fusion surgery is a widely used intervention for treating degenerative lumbar conditions, aiming to stabilize the spine, correct deformities, and relieve nerve compression. Spinal-pelvic sagittal balance, which involves key parameters such as sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and pelvic tilt (PT), has been linked to clinical outcomes like pain relief and quality of life. However, the full extent of its influence on postoperative results remains inadequately studied.
Objectives:
This study aims to evaluate the impact of spinal-pelvic sagittal balance on clinical and functional outcomes following lumbar fusion surgery. The primary objective is to compare outcomes based on sagittal balance parameters, while secondary objectives include assessing postoperative radiological corrections.
Methods:
A prospective observational study was conducted at AIIMS Bilaspur, involving patients aged over 18 years diagnosed with degenerative lumbar disease. Exclusion criteria included prior lumbar surgeries, fractures, tumors, or incomplete follow-up data. Patients underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), with postoperative evaluations of radiographic parameters (SVA, pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis) and functional outcomes using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results:
Preliminary results indicate significant improvement in both ODI and VAS scores post-surgery, with a notable correlation between improved sagittal balance and enhanced quality of life. Radiological improvements, particularly in the PI-LL mismatch, were strongly associated with favorable clinical outcomes.
Conclusion:
Achieving optimal spinal-pelvic sagittal balance significantly improves clinical outcomes following lumbar fusion surgery. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing sagittal alignment during preoperative planning to optimize surgical results.
