Correlation of spinopelvic parameters with functional outcomes in surgically managed cases of lumbar spinal...

The advanced stage of vertebral involvement in spinal tuberculosis (STB) can cause vertebral body collapse, which leads to kyphotic deformity and paraplegia in severe cases. Surgery is indicated in patients having disabling back pain, progressive neurological deficit, and instability in spine despite conservative management. The derangement of lumbar parameters, especially the loss of lumbar lordosis has been found to cause functional deterioration in patients. With the current evidences in place, this study was done to evaluate the correlation between the restoration of lumbar lordosis, pelvic parameters, and functional outcome when posterior only approach was used to manage the lumbar STB.

Active Tuberculosis of lumbar vertebra (L1-S1) confirmed by radiology (X-ray, MRI) and histopathological examination were included. All the cases scheduled for surgery underwent radiographs, CT scan, and MRI scans. Lumbar lordosis and other pelvic parameters were calculated on X-rays. VAS scores and ODI scores were documented during the follow-up to assess functional well-being.

A total of 33 (22 M:11 F) patients were included in the study. The mean lumbar lordosis pre-operatively was -22.84 ± 11.19° which was corrected to -37.03 ± 9.02° (p < 0.05) post-operatively. The pelvic tilt pre-operatively was 25.33 ± 6.75° which was corrected to 19.63 ± 5.84° (p < 0.05) post-operatively. The mean ODI improved from 84.33 ± 11.84 to 26.93 ± 8.74 (p < 0.05) at the final follow-up. The mean VAS score pre-operatively was 8.06 ± 1.27 which improved to 2.45 ± 0.93 (p < 0.05) in the post-operative period.

The study found a strong negative correlation between ODI scores and lumbar lordosis and a strong positive correlation between pelvic tilt and ODI scores. But the correlation needs to be further studied and evaluated by a well-constructed study especially with a control group treated conservatively.