Skip to main content
PMC home page
SpringerPlus logoLink to SpringerPlus
. 2016 Feb 20;5:141. doi: 10.1186/s40064-016-1772-x

Sacral orientation and Scheuermann’s kyphosis

Smadar Peleg 1,2,✉, Gali Dar 1,3, Nili Steinberg 1,4, Youssef Masharawi 1,5, Israel Hershkovitz 1,6
PMCID: PMC4761356  PMID: 26933639

Abstract

To examine whether the association between spinal alignment and sacral anatomical orientation (SAO) can be detected in skeletal populations, by comparing SAO values in individuals with a typical SD to individuals with normal spinal alignment. 2025 skeletons were screened for Scheuermann’s disease. Scheuermann’s kyphosis was established by the presence of apophyseal abnormalities associated with more than 5° of anterior wedging in each of three adjacent vertebrae. SAO was measured as the angle created between the intersection of a line running parallel to the superior surface of the sacrum and a line running between the anterior superior iliac spine and the anterior–superior edge of the symphysis pubis (PUBIS). SAO was measured on 185 individuals with normal spines and 183 individuals with Scheuermann’s kyphosis. Out of 2025 skeletons, 183 (9 %) were diagnosed with Scheuermann’s kyphosis. The sacrum was significantly more horizontally oriented in individuals with Scheuermann’s kyphosis compared with the control (SAO: 44.44 ± 9.7° vs. 50 ± 9.9°, p < 0.001). Alteration in spinal biomechanics due to a horizontally orientated sacrum may be an important contributing factor for the development of Scheuermann’s kyphosis.

Keywords: Kyphosis, Lordosis, Pelvic incidence, Scheuermann’s kyphosis, Spinal alignment

Background

Scheuermann’s disease (SD) is identified as a structural hyperkyphosis (Lowe 1990; Lowe and Line 2007; Scheuermann 1977, 1920). Two patterns of SD have been described in the pediatric population: a typical (thoracic) more common pattern (1–8 % of the population, Scoles et al. 1991; Sørensen 1964) and an atypical (thoracolumbar) less common one (0.4–4 % of the population, Blumenthal et al. 1987; Jansen et al. 2006; Lowe and Line 2007; Wood et al. 2012).

Many etiologies have been suggested for Scheuermann’s kyphosis. Until the end of the previous century there were already more than 12 theories [summarized and criticized by Alexander (1977)], and the number continues to grow in the twenty-first century (Damborg et al. 2012; DiGiovanni et al. 1989; Le Huec et al. 2011a; b; Lowe 1999; Lowe and Line 2007; Nissinen 1995; Roussouly et al. 2005; Scoles et al. 1991; Tsirikos and Jain 2011). The main controversy is related to the “mechanical” explanation offered by Alexander (1977) (Farrell et al. 2012).

Many current human diseases are the outcome of architectural compromises made in various elements of the body during the acquisition of erect posture, Scheuermann’s disease included. Acquiring a vertically oriented spine to almost its full length (sacrum excluded) is a prerequisite for erect posture; however, tilted pelvis, dorsally oriented sacrum and profound structural modifications of the muscles supporting the spine are mandatory for efficient (economic) bipedal locomotion and the bearing of large-headed babies (Abitbol 1987; Le Huec et al. 2011a, b; Mitchell 1934; Tague 1992). Pelvic tilt impacts the under-pelvis level, i.e., the angle of coxo-femoral joints in upright posture, whereas sacral slope impacts the above-pelvis level, i.e., spinal curves (Boulay et al. 2006). Nevertheless, the different alignment requirements of the structures expose the lumbosacral region to extreme shearing forces, the pathological consequences of which (e.g., spondylolysis, spondylolysthesis) have been widely studied (e.g., Hanson et al. 2007; Inoue et al. 2002; Labelle et al. 2005; Le Huec et al. 2011a; Marty et al. 2002; Peleg et al. 2009). On a broader perspective, the lumbosacral angle (LSA) expresses a compromise between the demands made by erect posture on the one hand, and bipedal locomotion on the other. Any major deviation from this angle might considerably elevate the stress on different parts of the spine (Roussouly et al. 2005; Scoles et al. 1991; Sørensen 1964).

The association between spinal deformities and pelvic orientation has been examined in several studies. The rationale behind this association relies on the fact that pelvic incidence is correlated with acquisition of walking during infancy and childhood (41.53° ± 8.3 in infants vs. 51.44° ± 10.85 in adults; Mac-Thiong et al. 2011; Mangione et al. 1997). Therefore, failure, due to whatever cause, to achieve adequate pelvic (or sacral) position, will trigger a chain reaction that may ultimately end in spinal deformity, as stated by Roussouly and Pinheiro-Franco (2011): “The genuine shape of the spine is probably one of the main mechanical factors of degenerative evolution” (p. S609). The latter authors have demonstrated that the spino-pelvic organization is significantly associated with the shape of lumbar lordosis: the higher the pelvic incidence (PI), the deeper the lordotic curve.

The literature supplies several clinical examples of the association between spino-pelvic organization and spinal anomalies: thus Marty et al. (2002) reported a correlation between sacral anatomic parameters and the development of spondylolisthesis; Mac-Thiong et al. (2003) found a very high pelvic incidence in scoliotic patients (57.3°) compared to the standard for normal adolescents (47.4°; Mac-Thiong et al. 2011).

Lately, a series of studies (Jiang et al. 2014; Tyrakowski et al. 2014, 2015) provided direct information regarding the sagittal spinal balance in SD patients. Jiang et al. (2014) were the first to report lower PI in adolescents with SD compared to controls (32° ± 10.8 vs. 45° ± 10.8), while Tyrakowski et al. (2014) were the first to present spinopelvic alignment in skeletally mature patients (Risser sign = 5) and to distinguish between the typical Scheuermann’s thoracic kyphosis (STK) and the atypical Scheuermann’s thoracolumbar kyphosis (STLK). Tyrakowski et al. (2015) also reported a significant difference in PI values when comparing between immature and mature patients with SD, using the Risser sign as an indicator for skeletal maturity (36.7° ± 8.1 vs. 39.4° ± 8.9).These three important studies were carried out on living subjects using lateral radiographs.

Recently, the normal range for human sacral anatomical orientation (SAO) has been presented (Peleg et al. 2007a, b). It has been shown that the greater the deviation from the normal range, the greater the stress on certain parts of the spine. This, together with the fact that pelvic incidence, sacral slope, degree of lordosis and degree of kyphosis are highly correlated (Boulay et al. 2006) implies that SAO may be a significant factor in the development of certain spinal deformities (Peleg et al. 2007a, b). To our knowledge, no study on the association between SAO and spinal alignment was carried out on skeletal populations. Although the shortcomings of such a study are clear, it possesses several advantages, namely: only spinal mal-alignments that are expressed in the vertebrae are considered as such, measurements are more accurate, and there is no effect of body weight or muscle tension on SAO.

The aim of the current study is to examine whether the association between spinal alignment and SAO can be detected in skeletal populations as well, by comparing SAO values in individuals with a typical SD to individuals with normal spinal alignment.

Methods

Materials

Ethical approval to work with ancient human material was granted by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

2025 skeletons from the human portion of the Hamann–Todd Osteologic Collection (curated at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History; Cleveland, Ohio, USA) were examined for the presence of Scheuermann’s disease. This collection consists of the defleshed skeletons of individuals who died in Cleveland during the first half of the twentieth century (African Americans and European Americans).

Spinal deformity group

Scheuermann’s disease was established by the presence of apophyseal abnormalities associated with more than 5° of anterior wedging in each of 3 adjacent mid-thoracic vertebrae (T4–T9; Scoles et al. 1991; Sørensen 1964). Measurements were taken with a digital calliper to the accuracy of 0.1 mm. Thereafter, A-P (anteroposterior) angles were calculated (DiGiovanni et al. 1989; Figs. 1, 2).

Fig. 1.

Fig. 1

Open in a new tab

Vertebral body metric measurements

Fig. 2.

Fig. 2

Open in a new tab

Vertebral body wedging angle

Control group

Age-matched control groups were constructed (from the non SD individuals) using a random number generator.

As positional registration of pelvic components was critical to this analysis, individuals with post-mortem pelvic deformations were excluded. Avoidance of confounding influences required exclusion of individuals with osteoporotic compression fractures. Specimens with sacralization of the fifth lumbar vertebra or lumbalization of the first sacral vertebra were also excluded.

Sacral anatomical orientation

Sacral anatomical orientation (SAO) is an angle measured between the tangent to S1 vertebral endplate and a line traced from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the anterior–posterior edge of the pubis (Fig. 3a; Peleg et al. 2007a, b).

Fig. 3.

Fig. 3

Open in a new tab

a Sacral anatomical orientation (SAO) definition (see text). b SAO measurement (see text)

We used a specially designed device (Fig. 3b). The pelvis was placed on the measurement surface (ASIS and symphysis pubis facing downward) and we measured the angle created between the intersection of a line running parallel to the superior surface of the sacrum and a line running between the anterior–superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the anterior–superior edge of the symphysis pubis (PUBIS) (angle α; Peleg et al. 2007a; b).

Power analysis

For α = 0.01 and β = 0.9 the minimal sample size required is n = 48.

Statistical analysis

Four way-ANOVA was used to examine the relationship between SAO and Scheuermann’s disease, sex and ethnic origin. To further investigate the differences between the groups (with and without Scheuermann’s disease), an unpaired t test was conducted. Statistical significant was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Of the 2025 skeletons examined, 183 were diagnosed with Scheuermann’s kyphosis (9 %). 185 normal skeletons, selected via random number generator, established the control group. The demographic characteristics of the studied populations appear in Table 1. In Table 2 we present the metrical characteristics of the vertebral bodies in the mid-thoracic region in individuals with and without Scheuermann’s kyphosis. Significant differences are found in all vertebrae except T4.

Table 1.

The demographic characteristics of the studied populations by spinal deformity

Group European American African Americans
n X SD Range n X SD Range
Control 95 46.5 16.2 21–93 90 43.3 16.9 20–89
Scheuermann’s kyphosis 102 48.65 12.8 25–80 81 41.8 14.9 20–87
Open in a new tab

Table 2.

Mean values of vertebral body heights and lengths (cm) (T4–T9) in European American males in the studied sample

Variable Vert European American normal spines (n = 53) European American Scheuermann’s disease (n = 59) p value
Anterior vertebral body height T4 1.88 ± 0.12 1.87 ± 0.15 0.604
T5 1.96 ± 0.11 1.88 ± 0.17 0.011
T6 1.98 ± 0.10 1.88 ± 0.15 <0.001
T7 2.01 ± 0.13 1.84 ± 0.16 <0.001
T8 2.05 ± 0.10 1.86 ± 0.18 <0.001
T9 2.13 ± 0.12 1.95 ± 0.17 <0.001
Posterior vertebral body height T4 1.97 ± 0.17 1.99 ± 0.12 0.569
T5 2.01 ± 0.27 2.12 ± 0.14 0.004
T6 2.08 ± 0.12 2.18 ± 0.13 <0.001
T7 2.13 ± 0.17 2.21 ± 0.13 <0.001
T8 2.15 ± 0.10 2.24 ± 0.13 <0.001
T9 2.21 ± 0.10 2.28 ± 0.13 <0.001
Superior vertebral body length T4 2.23 ± 0.15 2.29 ± 0.17 0.056
T5 2.42 ± 0.15 2.53 ± 0.19 0.002
T6 2.61 ± 0.16 2.72 ± 0.20 <0.001
T7 2.78 ± 0.18 2.94 ± 0.22 <0.001
T8 2.94 ± 0.19 3.15 ± 0.23 <0.001
T9 3.05 ± 0.20 3.24 ± 0.27 <0.001
Inferior vertebral body length T4 2.36 ± 0.16 2.45 ± 0.16 0.003
T5 2.54 ± 0.18 2.64 ± 0.19 0.010
T6 2.71 ± 0.16 2.86 ± 0.22 <0.001
T7 2.90 ± 0.18 3.08 ± 0.21 <0.001
T8 3.02 ± 0.19 3.23 ± 0.28 <0.001
T9 3.09 ± 0.20 3.27 ± 0.26 <0.001
Open in a new tab

Comment: significant difference (unpaired t test) after Bonferroni correction (0.005)

Index: vert, vertebral level

Significant differences are represented in italics

Multivariate analysis showed SAO to be sex and ethnicity independent. Therefore, in all further analyses all individuals were grouped together based on their spinal condition only: those manifesting Scheuermann’s kyphosis and those with normal spines.

Our statistical analysis showed that the sacrum was significantly more horizontally oriented in individuals with Scheuermann’s kyphosis compared with the control group: 44.44 ± 9.7° versus 50 ± 9.9° (p < 0.01).

Discussion

In the present study, the sacrum was found to be significantly more horizontally oriented in the Scheuermann’s disease group compared to the control group. This finding is in line with other studies that have demonstrated significant association between spino-pelvic organization (e.g., sacral slope, pelvic incidence) and spine shape (Boulay et al. 2006; Le Huec et al. 2011a, b; Lowe 1990; Mac-Thiong et al. 2007, 2011; Mangione et al. 1997; Rose et al. 2009; Roussouly and Pinheiro-Franco 2011).

Limitation of the study

This is a skeletal-based study and therefore sacral orientation may slightly differ in living individuals due to the action of the muscles and gravity. The SAO measurement is not intended to replace the PI measurement, but is offered as a useful tool in cases of skeletal material studies, or when the measurement of the hip axis is not possible.

Although this is not a longitudinal study and therefore a cause-effect relationship between sacral orientation and Scheuermann’s kyphosis is difficult to determine, we here propose a plausible explanation for this association:

Our major premise is that spinal curvatures must adapt to the orientation of the body of the sacrum. This is due to the fact that a horizontally oriented sacrum implies an almost vertical orientation of S1 superior discal surface. In order to cope with such a severe orientation of the discal surface, i.e., to maintain the integrity of the annular fibers of the L5–S1 intervertebral disc, lumbar lordosis must increase if a vertical spine is to be maintained. Hence, the more horizontally oriented the sacrum, the deeper the lordosis. This situation results in an increase in the lever of the lumbar extensors (Fig. 4). Therefore, in order to maintain the centre of gravity within the base of support (Fig. 4) in individuals with horizontally oriented sacrum, compensation in thoracic kyphosis must follow (i.e., increase in its concavity). The outcome of these complex relationships is increased pressure on the anterior segment of the mid thoracic vertebral bodies.

Fig. 4.

Fig. 4

Open in a new tab

Kyphosis deformity mechanism—“Mechanical explanation”. Normal (left) versus deformed (right) spines. Note how the more horizontally oriented sacrum (right) alters the general shape of the spine and the distribution of force (Index: lg1, lever of gravity force in normal spines; lg2, lever of gravity force in deformed spines; lm1, lever of lumbar part of erector spine muscle in normal range of sacral inclination; lm2, lever of lumbar part of erector spine muscle in a decreased sacral inclination; gf1, gf2, gravity force in normal (1) versus deformed (2) spines)

According to the Hueter–Volkmann law, increased pressure on the end plate of a bone inhibits its growth and conversely, reduced pressure accelerates growth (Stokes 2007; Stokes and Windisch 2006). Due to the above postural changes following a horizontally oriented sacrum, the lever arm of the line of gravity acting on the mid thoracic area towards flexion is increased, while the lever arm of the thoracic extensors decreases (Fig. 4). In the apical region, the attachments of the fibers of the longissimus and iliocostalis muscles are positioned too close to the axis of rotation, thereby greatly reducing their capacity of counterbalancing the force of gravity (Fig. 4). Inevitably, the changes in the spine’s configuration lead to alteration in force trajectories and intensity applied to the vertebral bodies. This may result in a growth disparity within vertebral bodies and eventually lead to the development of a beveled vertebra (Stokes and Windisch 2006; Tulsi 1971) and in severe cases, to thoracic kyphosis.

Several findings reported in the literature lend further support to the above explanation: It has been shown that final segmental spinal alignment starts with increased lumbar lordosis between ages 13–15 accompanied by a more horizontally oriented sacrum (Cil et al. 2004). Roussouly and Pinheiro-Franco (2011) have demonstrated that in adults, spinal curve shapes are associated with PI grade, i.e., advanced lumbar lordosis (type 4) is associated with high PI (i.e., a more horizontal sacrum). These findings are crucial for two reasons: first, they emphasize the role of sacral orientation in establishing normal spinal configuration, and second, they suggest that if normal growth processes are interrupted at these ages (ca. 13–15), the vertebral body will not develop properly. Once the epiphyseal rings are fully ossified with the vertebral bodies (at ca. 14–16 years), no further changes can occur (Bick and Copel 1951). Pediatric studies have shown that during the adolescent growth spurt, anterior vertebral growth exceeds posterior growth, resulting in a decrease in thoracic kyphosis and an increase in lumbar lordosis (Cil et al. 2004; Mac-Thiong et al. 2003, 2007, 2011; Murray and Bulstrode 1996; Pasha et al. 2010). In spines with a more horizontally oriented sacrum, this pattern of growth is interrupted as the anterior part of the vertebral body fails to reach its potential height due to increased pressure on this region, resulting in an increased kyphosis. This explanation fits with Alexander’s (1977) suggestion that Scheuermann’s disease is correlated with a static load in the flexed position, which corresponds with chair sitting. In such a position, the force applied to the anterior section of the vertebral body is greater than normal. Indirect support for our notion can also be found in Roussouly and Pinheiro-Franco’s (2011) study, showing that the contact force (CF = the sum of the force of gravity and the muscle action) acting on the posterior elements of hyperlordotic spines (i.e., more horizontally oriented sacrum) may cause spondylolisthesis (Roussouly and Pinheiro-Franco 2011). Following the same line of argument, given the fact that the upper lordotic arch inverts with the kyphotic arch, we can assume a high CF on the mid thoracic vertebral bodies, resulting in hyperkyphosis. These and other findings, e.g., Mac-Thiong et al.’s (2007) proposition that a correlation exists between a plumb line running anterior to the hip axis and the development of spinal pathology, lend support to the “mechanical basis” theory for the development of spinal deformities (Roaf 1958, 1960; Roussouly et al. 2005; Scoles et al. 1991; Stokes 2007; Villemure and Stokes 2009; Wood et al. 2012).

In partial contrast to our results, Jiang et al. (2014) and Tyrakowski et al. (2014) reported on lower PI in adolescent patients with SD compared to adults with normal spinal alignment. This apparent contradiction may be explained by the fact that SAO values change during spinal growth and during life by 15°:60° under the age of 20 compared to 52° between ages 21–40, 48° between ages 41–60, and 45° above the age of 61 (Peleg et al. 2007a) whereas PI values measured in the same study show only a small change with age, i.e., 3° from adult (21–40) to old population (above 61). This implies that PI is a less sensitive measurement than SAO in locating angular changes in sacrum orientation (Peleg et al. 2007a). Moreover, Tyrakowski et al. (2015) did find a significant difference in PI values between immature and mature patients with SD (using the Risser sign as an indicator for skeletal maturity) 36.7° ± 8.1 versus 39.4° ± 8.9, which supports our results.

Summing up the above, we can suggest a relationship between spinal alignment and the orientation of the sacrum. It is our understanding that it is the orientation of the sacrum that helps dictate the shape of the spine and not vice versa.

Conclusions

Alteration in spinal biomechanics due to a horizontally orientated sacrum may be an important contributing factor for the development of Scheuermann’s kyphosis (SK; Fig. 4).

Authors’ contributions

SP designed and carried out this study, analysed the data and wrote this manuscript. GD was involved in designing this study and in drafting the manuscript. NS was involved in the analysis and interpretation of the data. YM was involved in designing this study and in drafting the manuscript. IH was involved in designing the study and in the analysis and interpretation of the data. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Acknowledgements

The Authors wish to thank Mrs. Anna Behar, Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, for her assistance in preparing all figures. We also thank Prof. Bruce Latimer, Dr. Charles Greenwald, Mr. Lyman Jellema, Ms. Barbara Marie Hochstetler, Mrs. Lillian Rubin and Mrs. Carol Bruml, of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland, Ohio for their invaluable support and assistance in using the Hamann–Todd Osteologic Collection. This study was financially supported by Mr. Joseph Shafran (Cleveland, Ohio), the Dan David Foundation, MAFCAF and the Tassia and Dr. Joseph Meychan Chair in the History and Philosophy of Medicine, Tel Aviv University.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Contributor Information

Smadar Peleg, Email: smadarp@zefat.ac.il.

Gali Dar, Email: galidar@yahoo.com.

Nili Steinberg, Email: knopp@wincol.ac.il.

Youssef Masharawi, Email: Yossefm@post.tau.ac.il.

Israel Hershkovitz, Email: anatom2@post.tau.ac.il.

References

  1. Abitbol M. Evolution of the lumbosacral angle. Am J Phys Anthropol. 1987;72:361–372. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.1330720309. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  2. Alexander CJ. Scheuermann’s disease: a traumatic spondylodystrophy? Skeletal Radiol. 1977;1:209–221. doi: 10.1007/BF00365787. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  3. Bick EM, Copel JW. The ring apophysis of the human vertebra; contribution to human osteogeny. II. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1951;33:783–787. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  4. Blumenthal SL, Roach J, Herring JA. Lumbar Scheuermann’s: a clinical classification. Spine. 1987;12:929–932. doi: 10.1097/00007632-198711000-00015. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  5. Boulay C, Tardieu C, Hecquet J, Benaim C, Mouilleseaux B, Marty C, Prat-Pradal D, Legaye J, Duval-Beaupère G, Pélissier J. Sagittal alignment of spine and pelvis regulated by pelvic incidence: standard values and prediction of lordosis. Eur Spine J. 2006;15(4):415–422. doi: 10.1007/s00586-005-0984-5. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  6. Cil A, Yazici M, Uzumcugil A, Kandemir U, Alanay A, Acaroglu ER, Surat A. The evolution of sagittal segmental alignment of the spine during childhood. Spine. 2004;30:93–100. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  7. Damborg F, Engell V, Andersen M, Kyvik KO, Thomsen K. Prevalence, concordance, and heredity of Scheuermann kyphosis based on a study of twins. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2012;88(10):2133–2136. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.E.01302. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  8. DiGiovanni BF, Scoles PV, Latimer BM. Anterior extension of the thoracic vertebral bodies in Scheuermann’s kyphosis. Spine. 1989;14:712–716. doi: 10.1097/00007632-198907000-00011. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  9. Farrell BM, Kuo CC, Tang JA, Phan S, Buckley JM, Kondrashov DG. Scheuermann kyphosis in nonhuman primates. Spine. 2012;37(23):E1432–E1437. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e31826f2255. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  10. Hanson DS, Bridwell KH, Rhee JM, Lenke LG. Correlation of pelvic incidence with low- and high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis. Spine. 2007;27(18):2026–2029. doi: 10.1097/00007632-200209150-00011. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  11. Inoue HI, Ohmori K, Miyasaka K. Radiographic classification of L5 isthmic spondylolisthesis as adolescent or adult vertebral slip. Spine. 2002;27:831–838. doi: 10.1097/00007632-200204150-00010. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  12. Jansen RC, van Rhijn LW, van Ooij A. Predictable correction of the unfused lumbar lordosis after thoracic correction and fusion in Scheuermann’s kyphosis. Spine. 2006;31:1227–1231. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000217682.53629.ad. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  13. Jiang L, Qiu Y, Xu L, Liu Z, Wang Z, Sha S, Zhu Z. Sagittal spinopelvic alignment in adolescents associated with Scheuermann’s kyphosis: a comparison with normal population. Eur Spine J. 2014;23:1420–1426. doi: 10.1007/s00586-014-3266-2. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  14. Labelle H, Roussouly P, Berthonnaud E, Dimnet J, O’Brien M. The importance of spino-pelvic balance in L5–S1 developmental spondylolisthesis: a review of pertinent radiologic measurements. Spine. 2005;30(6 suppl):S27–S34. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000155560.92580.90. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  15. Le Huec JC, Saddiki R, Franke J, Rigal J, Aunoble S. Equilibrium of the human body and the gravity line: the basics. Eur Spine J. 2011;20:S558–S563. doi: 10.1007/s00586-011-1939-7. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  16. Le Huec JC, Aunoble S, Philippe L, Nicolas P. Pelvic parameters: origin and significance. Eur Spine J. 2011;20:S564–S571. doi: 10.1007/s00586-011-1940-1. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  17. Lowe TG. Current concept review: scheuermann’s disease. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1990;72(6):940–945. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  18. Lowe TG. Scheuermann’s disease. Orthop Clin North Am. 1999;30(3):475–485. doi: 10.1016/S0030-5898(05)70100-0. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  19. Lowe TG, Line BG. Evidence based medicine: analysis of Scheuermann kyphosis. Spine. 2007;32(19 Suppl):S115–S119. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181354501. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  20. Mac-Thiong JM, Labelle H, Charlebois M, Huot MP, de Guise JA. Sagittal plane analysis of the spine and pelvis in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis according to the coronal curve type. Spine. 2003;28(13):1404–1409. doi: 10.1097/01.BRS.0000067118.60199.D1. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  21. Mac-Thiong JM, Labelle H, Berthonnaud E, Betz RR, Roussouly P. Sagittal spinopelvic balance in normal children and adolescents. Eur Spine J. 2007;16(2):227–234. doi: 10.1007/s00586-005-0013-8. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  22. Mac-Thiong JM, Labelle H, Roussouly P. Pediatric sagittal alignment. Eur Spine J. 2011;20(Suppl 5):586–590. doi: 10.1007/s00586-011-1925-0. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  23. Mangione P, Gomez D, Senegas J. Study of the course of the incidence angle during growth. Eur Spine J. 1997;6:163–167. doi: 10.1007/BF01301430. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  24. Marty C, Boisaubert B, Descamps H, Montigny JP, Hecquest J, Legaye J, Duval-Beaupère G. The sagittal anatomy of the sacrum among young adults, infants and spondylolisthesis patients. Eur Spine J. 2002;11:119–125. doi: 10.1007/s00586-001-0349-7. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  25. Mitchell GAG. The lumbosacral junction. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1934;16:233–254. [Google Scholar]
  26. Murray DW, Bulstrode CJ. The development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Eur Spine J. 1996;5:251–257. doi: 10.1007/BF00301328. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  27. Nissinen M. Spinal posture during pubertal growth. Acta Pediatr. 1995;84:308–312. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.1995.tb13634.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  28. Pasha S, Sangole AP, Aubin CE, Parent S, Mac-Thiong JM, Labelle H. Characterizing pelvis dynamics in adolescent with idiopathic scoliosis. Spine. 2010;35(17):E820–E826. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181e6856d. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  29. Peleg S, Dar G, Steinberg N, Peled N, Hershkovitz I, Masharawi Y. Sacral orientation revisited. Spine. 2007;32(15):E397–E404. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e318074d676. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  30. Peleg S, Dar G, Medlej B, Steinberg N, Latimer B, Jellema L, Peled N, Masharawi Y, Hershkovitz I. Orientation of the human sacrum: anthropological perspectives and methodological approaches. Am J Phys Anthropol. 2007;133:967–977. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.20599. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  31. Peleg S, Dar G, Steinberg N, Masharawi Y, Been E, Abbas J, Hershkovitz I. Sacral orientation and spondylolysis. Spine. 2009;34(25):E906–E910. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181b34b75. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  32. Roaf R. Rotation movements of the spine with special reference to scoliosis. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1958;40B:312–332. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.40B2.312. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  33. Roaf R. Vertebral growth and its mechanical control. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1960;42B:40–59. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.42B1.40. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  34. Rose PS, Bridwell KH, Lenke Lawrence GL, Cronen GA, Mulconrey DS, Buchowski JM, Kim Youngjung JK. Role of pelvic incidence, thoracic kyphosis, and patient factors on sagittal plane correction following pedicle subtraction osteotomy. Spine. 2009;34(8):785–791. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e31819d0c86. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  35. Roussouly P, Pinheiro-Franco JL. Biomechanical analysis of the spinopelvic organization and adaptation in pathology. Eur Spine J. 2011;20:S609–S618. doi: 10.1007/s00586-011-1928-x. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  36. Roussouly P, Gollogy S, Berthonnaud E, Dimnet J. Classification of the normal variation in the sagittal alignment of the human spine and pelvis in the standing position. Spine. 2005;30:346–353. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000152379.54463.65. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  37. Scheuermann H. Kyphosis dorsalis juvenilis. Ugeskrift for Laeger. 1920;82:385–393. [Google Scholar]
  38. Scheuermann HW. The classic Kyphosis dorsalis juvenilis. Clin Orthop. 1977;128:5–7. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  39. Scoles PV, Latimer BM, DiGiovanni BF, Vargo E, Bauza S, Jellema LM. Vertebral alterations in Scheuermann’s kyphosis. Spine. 1991;16:509–515. doi: 10.1097/00007632-199105000-00004. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  40. Sørensen KH. Scheuermann’s juvenile kyphosis: clinical appearances, radiology, aetiology, and prognosis. Copenhagen: Munksgaard; 1964. [Google Scholar]
  41. Stokes IA. Analysis and simulation of progressive adolescent scoliosis by biomechanical growth modulation. Eur Spine J. 2007;16:1621–1628. doi: 10.1007/s00586-007-0442-7. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  42. Stokes IA, Windisch L. Vertebral height growth predominates over intervertebral disc height growth in adolescents with scoliosis. Spine. 2006;31:1600–1604. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000222008.15750.1f. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  43. Tague RG. Sexual dimorphism in the human bony pelvis, with a consideration of the Neandertal pelvis from the Kebara Cave, Israel. Am J Phys Anthropol. 1992;88:1–21. doi: 10.1002/ajpa.1330880102. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  44. Tsirikos AI, Jain AK. Scheuermann’s Kyphosis: current controversies. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2011;93-B(7):857–864. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.93B7.26129. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  45. Tulsi RS (1971) Growth of the human vertebral column: an osteological study. Acta Anat 79:570–580 [DOI] [PubMed]
  46. Tyrakowski M, Mardjetko S, Siemionow K. Radiographic spinopelvic parameters in skeletally mature patients with scheuermann’s disease. Spine. 2014;39:E1080–W1085. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000000460. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  47. Tyrakowski M, Janusz P, Mardjetko S, Kotwicki T, Siemionow K. Comparison of radiographic sagittal spinopelvic alignment between skeletally immature and skeletally mature individuals with scheurmann’s disease. Eur Spine J. 2015;24:1237–1243. doi: 10.1007/s00586-014-3595-1. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  48. Villemure I, Stokes IA. Growth plate mechanics and mechanobiology: a survey of present understanding. J Biomech. 2009;42:1793. doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2009.05.021. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  49. Wood KB, Melikian R, Fernando V. Adult scheuermann kyphosis: evaluation, management, and new developments. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2012;20(2):113–121. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-20-02-113. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Articles from SpringerPlus are provided here courtesy of Springer-Verlag

RESOURCES