A Study of normal variation in lumbosacral angle in asymptomatic patients attending orthopaedic out-patient department of a medical college hospital, Telangana

Abstract

Introduction: The Lumbosacral angle (LSA), is the angle formed between a line across the plane of the superior margin of the sacrum and a horizontal line. Various literature and studies around the world shows wide normal variation in LS angle, ranging from 320 to 440. Abnormal variation in LS angle is commonly associated with low back pain. Hence research involving study of normal variation of LSA in different ethnic population plays a significant role. In Indian scenario very few studies are available, especially from rural population, to know up to what extent, variation in LS angle is normal. Hence, the present study attempts to study the normal variation in LSA in rural population of Telangana. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study of normal LSA variability, involving 100 asymptomatic subjects between the age group of 20-60 years was carried out in orthopedic department of Medical College hospital, Telangana. Ferguson’s technique was employed for calculation of LSA. Results: In this study variation of LSA ranges from 280 to 600. Overall average LSA was 340.Females have greater average LSA as compared to males. Conclusion: Results of the present study show variability when compared to other similar studies, which further strengthen the fact that normal variation in LSA differs among different region and races; hence results of the present study will be a useful tool to health care providers for treating different spinal disorders of rural Telangana population. Keywords: Lumbosacral angle (LSA), Ferguson technique, Lumbar lordosis, LSA Variation, Spinal maturity.