Investigation of spinopelvic sagittal alignment and its correlations in asymptomatic pediatric populations

Abstract

Abstract The sagittal alignment of the cervical spine and its relationship with spinopelvic parameters plays a crucial role in maintaining overall postural balance. This study aims to provide normative values for these parameters in asymptomatic pediatric subjects, aiding in the enhancement of treatment and evaluation strategies for spinal deformities and disorders. Conducted at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, this retrospective study included 307 asymptomatic pediatric volunteers aged 4–18 years, screened for scoliosis from January 2021 to July 2023. Participants underwent whole-length EOS examinations following a standard protocol. Radiographic measurements of cervical and spinopelvic parameters were taken, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software to assess variations by age and gender. Normative values for cervical sagittal and spinopelvic parameters were established, demonstrating significant differences based on age and sex. Key findings include a strong correlation between the C2-7 Cobb angle and T1 and C7 slopes, with an observed increase in cSVA particularly pronounced in boys. Age and gender significantly influenced the normative values of these parameters, suggesting the importance of considering these factors in pediatric spinal assessments. This study establishes crucial normative values for cervical and spinopelvic parameters in a large pediatric cohort, highlighting the influence of age and sex on spinal sagittal alignment. The findings underscore the necessity of tailoring spinal assessment approaches in pediatric populations to improve the clinical evaluation and management of spinal health, providing a foundational benchmark for future research in pediatric spinal deformities and disorders.

Keywords

• Cervical spine alignment
• Pediatric spinal health
• Spinopelvic parameters
• Sagittal balance
• Scoliosis screening