CONDITIONS EXPLAINEDSagittal Imbalance
CONDITIONS EXPLAINEDSagittal Imbalance
Fixed Sagittal Imbalance is a condition in which “fixed” or immobile segments of the spinal cord lead to abnormal posture in the postero-lateral or sagittal plane. The condition may be compensated (FSI type I) or uncompensated (FSI type II), depending on the ability of the patient’s spine to “compensate” for the imbalance. Even so, a compensated imbalance will typically lead to accelerated deterioration of the compensatory structures.
Sagittal Imbalance can be a debilitating condition, and often visibly increases a patient’s perceived age. The goals of treatment are restoration of normal posture and functionality, but additional measures of success include improved patient confidence and normalized appearance.
Fixed Sagittal Imbalance is a condition in which “fixed” or immobile segments of the spinal cord lead to abnormal posture in the postero-lateral or sagittal plane. The condition may be compensated (FSI type I) or uncompensated (FSI type II), depending on the ability of the patient’s spine to “compensate” for the imbalance. Even so, a compensated imbalance will typically lead to accelerated deterioration of the compensatory structures.
Sagittal Imbalance can be a debilitating condition, and often visibly increases a patient’s perceived age. The goals of treatment are restoration of normal posture and functionality, but additional measures of success include improved patient confidence and normalized appearance.
Experiencing Symptoms of Sagittal Imbalance?
Detection & Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually readily made upon physical examination, but additional diagnostic modalities in the investigation of sagittal imbalance may include:
OUTCOMESRelated
Treatments & Procedures
Surgical correction of sagittal imbalance varies by case, but two commonly performed correctional procedures are the Smith-Petersen Osteotomy and Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy.
- Smith-Petersen Osteotomy – Involves bony resection of tissue impeding normal curvature of the spine
- Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy – Involves resection of the pedicles joining the anterior and posterior spine. Bone may be removed at several levels to produce the desired degree of curvature. This procedure somewhat reduces the need for anterior surgery as compared to Smith-Petersen Osteotomy
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