Correlation between body image perception and spinopelvic parameters in ankylosing spondylitis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Psychology

Background:

• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the spine.
• Spinopelvic parameters are crucial for spinal alignment and function.
• Body image perception is an important aspect of quality of life in chronic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between spinopelvic parameters and body image perception in AS patients.
• To compare spinopelvic parameters between AS patients and healthy controls.
• To identify predictors of body image perception in AS.

Main Methods:

• 107 AS patients and 40 controls underwent whole spine and hip radiography.
• Radiographic parameters included sagittal vertical axis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, spinosacral angle (SSA), and spinopelvic angle (SPA).
• Body image perception was assessed using the Trunk Appearance Scale (TAPS) and Scoliosis Research Society 22 appearance questionnaire (SRSapp).

Main Results:

• Significant differences in multiple spinopelvic parameters were observed between AS patients and controls.
• Thoracic kyphosis showed no significant intergroup difference.
• Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between radiographic parameters and body image perception scores.

Conclusions:

• AS patients exhibit altered spinopelvic parameters compared to healthy individuals.
• Age, SSA, and SPA were identified as significant predictors of body image perception scores in AS patients.
• These findings highlight the impact of spinal morphology on body image in AS.