Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Transtubular Endoscopic Posterolateral Decompression for L5-S1 Lumbar Lateral Disc Herniation
Published on: October 14, 2022
Reliability of the Spinal Deformity Study Group classification of lumbosacral spondylolisthesis
Jean-Marc Mac-Thiong1, Luc Duong, Stefan Parent
1Department of Surgery, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada. macthiong@gmail.com
Study Design:
Reliability study of the computer-assisted SDSG (Spinal Deformity Study Group) classification of lumbosacral spondylolisthesis.
Objective:
To assess the intra- and interobserver reliability of the computer-assisted SDSG classification of lumbosacral spondylolisthesis.
Summary Of Background Data:
The SDSG has proposed a new classification of lumbosacral spondylolisthesis based on slip grade, pelvic incidence (PI), and sacro-pelvic and spinal balance. Three types of low-grade spondylolisthesis are described: low PI (type 1), normal PI (type 2), and high PI (type 3). High-grade spondylolisthesis are defined as type 4 (balanced sacro-pelvis), type 5 (retroverted sacro-pelvis with balanced spine), and type 6 (retroverted sacro-pelvis with unbalanced spine).
Methods:
Full-length standing lateral radiographs of the spine of 40 subjects with lumbosacral spondylolisthesis were reviewed twice by 7 observers. Custom software was used by the observers to identify 7 anatomical landmarks on each radiograph to determine the SDSG type for all subjects. Percentage of agreement and κ coefficients were used to determine the intra- and interobserver reliability.
Results:
All 6 types of spondylolisthesis described in the computer-assisted SDSG classification were identified. Overall intra- and interobserver agreements were 80% (κ: 0.74) and 71% (κ: 0.65), respectively. The intra- and interobserver agreements associated with computerized determination of slip grade were 92% (κ: 0.83) and 88% (κ: 0.78), respectively. As for computerized determination of sacro-pelvic and spinal balance, intra- and interobserver agreements were 86% (κ: 0.76) and 75% (κ: 0.63) for low-grade slips, whereas they were 88% (κ: 0.80) and 83% (κ: 0.75) for high-grade slips.
Conclusion:
Substantial intra- and interobserver reliability was found for the computer-assisted SDSG classification, and all 6 types of lumbosacral spondylolisthesis were identified. Refinement of the computer-assisted classification technique is, however, needed to further increase the reliability of the SDSG classification and facilitate its clinical use.
