Three dimensional analysis of spino-pelvic alignment in individuals with acutely herniated lumbar intervertebral disc

BACKGROUND Lumbar intervertebral disc herniation affects a large number of patients annually and are the most common cause of sciatica. OBJECTIVES This study was aimed at measuring the spino-pelvic alignment and its relation to the functional limitations in subjects with acutely herniated lumbar disc. METHODS Sixteen patients with acute Lumbar Disc Herniation (LDH group) and 16 healthy matched volunteers (healthy group) represented the sample of the study. The patients were recently diagnosed as lumbar disc herniation (L4-5 or L5-S1) with acute sciatica and antalgic posture using magnetic resonance imaging. Spino-pelvic alignment was measured via Rasterstereography. Functional disability among patients was assessed using Oswestry Disability Index Arabic version. RESULTS Trunk inclination, trunk imbalance, pelvic obliquity, pelvic torsion, lordotic and scoliotic angles were significantly different between groups (P ≤ 0.05). A non-significant difference in kyphotic angle was found between the patients and healthy controls. There was no association between the measured postural changes and functional disabilities in patients with lumbar disc herniation (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION There are significant postural changes in patients with acutely herniated lumbar disc which has no relation to functional disability. These results support the concept of staying active during acute stage.