Lower lumbar spine significantly affects the dynamics of pelvic incidence after corrective surgery for adult spinal deformity.

PURPOSE: Pelvic incidence (PI) is a fundamental parameter influencing sagittal spinal alignment. Recent studies indicate that PI is not a fixed value and may change after surgery for adult spinal deformity (ASD). However, research on this topic is very limited, and no consensus has been reached. The aim of this study is to assess postoperative PI changes in ASD patients and identify the factors influencing these changes with long-term follow-up.

METHODS

We reviewed 65 ASD patients who underwent corrective surgery with S2-alar-iliac screws and pedicle subtraction osteotomy. Radiographic parameters were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between spinopelvic parameters, immediate postoperative changes in PI (ΔPI), and long-term follow-up changes (ΔΔPI).

RESULTS

The mean ΔPI and ΔΔPI were - 4.5˚ ± 8.2˚ and 3.6˚ ± 5.9˚, respectively. ΔPI was negatively correlated with preoperative PI (r = -0.42, p < 0.001) and pelvic tilt (r = -0.28, p = 0.025) while positively correlated with the correction of lower lumbar lordosis (ΔLLL) (r = 0.34, p = 0.006). ΔΔPI was negatively correlated with ΔPI (r = -0.48, p < 0.001) and preoperative lower lumbar lordosis (LLL) (r = -0.27, p = 0.029). Multiple regression analysis showed preoperative LLL and ΔLLL significantly influenced both ΔPI and ΔΔPI.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that PI decreases immediately after ASD surgery but tends to return to its original value. Preoperative LLL and ΔLLL were associated with postoperative PI changes in both the immediate and long-term follow-up periods.