Radiological analysis of the sagittal profile of the Indian population according to the theoretical Roussouly classification.

Abstract

Background: Pierre Roussouly et al. classified four distinct types of sagittal profiles in normal individuals based on their sacral slope (SS). It was modified by Laouissat et al., (theoretical) including a fifth type.

Study design: The study design was a cross-sectional study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify and classify the types of sagittal alignment present in an asymptomatic Indian population using the parameters established by Roussouly et al. and modified by Laouissat et al.

Methods: The inclusion criteria were asymptomatic adults between 18 and 50 years old, without history of spinal surgery or significant musculoskeletal disorders. The sagittal profile was classified according to the Roussouly modified (theoretical) classification. The spinopelvic parameters were measured using Surgimap and the correlation analysis was performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results: A total of 104 participants (62 females and 42 males) were recruited and it was observed 26 (25%) participants with Type 1, 12 (11.5%) with the Type 2, 26 (25%) with Type 3, 30 (28.8%) Type 3AP, and 10 (9.6%) participants with the Type 4. Furthermore, the study showed that the Type 3 anteverted pelvic (AP) had similar characteristics compared with the Laouissat's study. The pelvic incidence shows a correlation with SS (r = 0.602, P = 0.001) and pelvic tilt (r = 0.613, P = 0.001). SS is also correlated with lumbar lordosis (r = 0.734, P = 0.001).

Conclusion: The analysis of the study showed that the Type 3 AP is the sagittal profile more frequency according to the theoretical Roussouly classification in the asymptomatic Indian population.