Majallah-i Dānishgāh-i ̒Ulūm-i Pizishkī-i Bābul (Jul 2003)
Evaluation of total and segmental lumbar lordosis using radiographic interpretation
Abstract
Background and Objective: With raising knowledge about the spinal biomechanics, the importance and effectiveness of the condition of the sagittal alignment of the spine in its natural function and its disease is emphasized. This study was done to evaluate the total and segmental lumbar lordosis from radiographic film in 100 volunteers aged 20-70 without history of low back pain. Methods: A standing lateral radiograph of the lumbar spine (L1-S) was taken of all subjects. Then, the total and segmental lumbar lordosis from radiographic film were measured by Cobb method. Data were statistically analyzed and P<0.05 was considered significant. Findings: In this study, 54 subjects were male and 46 were female. The average of the total lumbar lordosis (L1-S1) was 54.5° and segmental lumber lordosis were as follows: L1-L2: 4.5°, L2-L3: 8.5°, L3-L4: 10°, L4-L5: 14°, L5-S1: 21°. There was a significant relationship between age with total lumbar lordosis and segmental lordosis (L4-L5) and there was a statistically significant relationship between sex with total lumbar lordosis and segmental lordosis (L3-L4). Conclusion: According to the results, the mean of segmental lumbar lordosis gradually increases with distal progression through the lumbar spine. Approximately two-thirds of total lumbar lordosis are occurred at the bottom of two segments (L4-L5 and L5-S1). The total and segmental lumbar lordosis at L4-L5 significantly decreases with age.
