Radiographic Alignment Parameters for Lumbosacral Reconstruction in Patients With Altered S1 Morphology

Study DesignRetrospective quantitative analysis study.ObjectivesPelvic incidence has been established as central radiographic marker which determines patient-specific correction goals during surgery for adult spinal deformity. In cases with sacral doming or sacral osteotomy where the PI cannot be calculated, reliable radiographic parameters need to be established to determine surgical goals. We aim to determine multiple radiographic parameters and formulas that can be utilized when the S1 superior endplate is obscured.MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed on 68 healthy volunteers without prior spine surgery with full-length radiographs. Pelvic incidence, sacral slope, and pelvic tilt were calculated for each patient. Additional measurements such as L4, L5, and S2 incidence, tilt, and slope were collected. A new radiographic parameter defined as the L4-Sciatic notch angle was measured. Regression analysis was performed on each value to determine its relationship with S1 based incidence, tilt, and slope.ResultsMean values for L5 incidence, L4 incidence, and L4 sciatic notch angle were 21.8° ± 8.9, 4.4° ± 8.1, and 44.4° ± 12, respectively. The linear regression analysis produced the following formulas which can be utilized to determine deformity correction goals when pelvic incidence can be calculated pre-operatively: L5i = .65*S1i-11.4, L4i = .44*S1i-18.6, and L4SNA = -.34*S1i + 66.5. In settings where pelvic incidence cannot be calculated, the following formulas can be utilized: L5i = .66*S2i-32.3 and L4SNA = -.02*S2i² + 1.1*S2i + 63.5. P-values for all regression analyses were <.001.ConclusionThis study provides target radiographic alignment values that can be utilized for patients with either pre-operative altered S1 endplates or in cases with intraoperative alteration of S1 (sacral osteotomy).