The impact of spino-pelvic parameters on pathogenesis of lumbar disc herniation.

PURPOSE: Controversies exist on the relative contribution of sagittal spino-pelvic alignment on pathogenesis of lumbar disc herniation.

METHODS

Spinopelvic alignment parameters, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, pelvic radius-S1 end-plate ratio and pelvic radius-S1 angle, in 52 patients with lumbar disc herniation were compared with the same measurements in 43 healthy adult volunteers.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis revealed significant difference in pelvic incidence and sacral slope between patients with lumbar disc herniation and normal population.

CONCLUSION

Patients with lumbar disc herniation have a more vertical sacrum compared to the normal population which may result in higher intradiscal pressure in these patients.