Major Deformities Research Articles

Use of a combined latissimus dorsi scapular free flap revascularized with vein grafting to the internal mammary artery in a vessel-depleted and previously irradiated neck

For patients who have extensive prior treatment, use of the internal mammary artery/vein (IMA/IMV) or cephalic vein has been shown to be a reliable option. Additionally, for those patients who require vascularized bone and extensive soft tissue reconstruction, the combined latissimus dorsi scapular free flap (mega-flap) is an excellent option. We reviewed 3 cases in which extensive prior surgery and radiation precluded the use of traditional recipient vessels in the neck. Three patients with major jaw deformities were reconstructed using a mega-flap. In all cases, saphenous vein grafting succeeded in achieving arterial inflow from the IMA to the subscapular artery. Venous egress was achieved using a vein graft to the IMV in 1 patient and a transposed cephalic vein in the remaining 2 patients. This approach of restoring large oral cavity defects for patients with extensive prior therapy and comorbid conditions has proven to be reliable and reproducible.

Antifibrinolytic Agents Reduce Blood Loss During Pediatric Vertebral Column Resection Procedures

Retrospective multicenter review. To evaluate the effect of intraoperative antifibrinolytic (AF) agents on blood loss associated with vertebral column resection (VCR) procedures for pediatric patients. VCR procedures may be associated with substantial blood loss. A multicenter review of 147 patients (aged <21 yr) who underwent VCR as part of their spinal deformity correction was conducted. Estimated blood loss (EBL) was calculated as percentage of blood volume (BV) (EBL/BV × 100), which was normalized on the basis of the number of vertebral levels removed (%BV/level). The use of AF agents was noted (tranexamic acid [TXA], aminocaproic acid, aprotinin, none) and based on surgeons' choice. EBL was compared using analysis of covariance (controlling for deformity magnitude) (P < 0.05). Average preoperative major deformity (kyphosis or scoliosis) was 97° ± 31°. The average number of levels excised was 1.6 (range, 1-5). Total EBL averaged 1317 mL (range, 50-6026 mL). Eleven patients were excluded: 7 with incomplete data and 4 who received aminocaproic acid (too few to compare). This resulted in 136 cases; 64 with no AF, 42 received TXA, and 30 received aprotinin. Overall %BV/level EBL was 41% ± 39% (range, 6%-162%) and was significantly higher in the no-AF group (52% ± 37%) than the TXA (30% ± 34%; P < 0.01) and aprotinin (32% ± 24%; P < 0.05) groups. The effect of the AFs varied by site. EBL associated with VCR was highly variable and in many cases exceeded the patient's BV. AF agents were not routinely used and we had insufficient data to assess the efficacy of aminocaproic acid. Both aprotinin and TXA resulted in less EBL than when no AF was used; however, the effect of the reduction varied by site. Aprotinin has since been removed from the market. When normalized to patient size and levels excised, the use of TXA resulted in a reduction in intraoperative EBL.

EMG activation of trunk and upper limb muscles following experimentally-induced overpronation and oversupination of the feet in quiet standing

Kinematic studies have shown that experimentally-induced overpronation or oversupination of the subtalar joint may alter the position of the legs, hips and pelvis and consequently the trunk and upper limb. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether such foot deformity affects the activity of muscles that act on the trunk and upper limb. Twenty-eight healthy individuals (11 males and 17 females) 21.4±1.9 years of age without skeletal deformity, leg length discrepancy (LLD), overpronated or oversupinated feet or excessive lateral pelvic inclination volunteered for the study. Bilateral EMG recordings of the latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major and rectus abdominis were undertaken for 30-s with each subject in the relaxed standing position and at 5° and 10° bilateral or unilateral overpronation or oversupination of the foot on the dominant side using wooden wedge-shape blocks. The recorded EMG activity was normalised based on the EMG activity produced by the muscles under investigation during maximum isometric voluntary contraction. The findings of the present study revealed that neither bilateral nor unilateral overpronation/oversupination of the feet induced a significant alteration of the EMG activity of the latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major and rectus abdominis on either the dominant or non-dominant side. These findings suggest that in the absence of other major structural deformity bilateral or unilateral foot overpronation or oversupination does not affect the EMG activity of muscles that act on the trunk and upper limb in quiet standing.

LIMB BODY WALL COMPLEX IN TWO HETEROZYGOTIC TWINS: A CASE REPORT

Introdution. Limb-Body Wall Complex (LBWC) is a congenital defect which includes at least two of the following characteristics: abdominal and/or thoracic body wall defects, exencephaly or encephalocoele with or without craniofacial defects (56%) and spinal defects associated with marked vertebral or sacral defects (95%). Case Report. We present a case report of an infant with LBWC, borned by diamniotic twin pregnancy. A prenatal ultrasound reported an healthy fetus and a fetus with multiple malformations. At birth we found a big abdominal wall defect, absence of scrotal sac and testicles, asymmetric chest and no major deformities in craniofacial region. At 2 hours of life, we removed the amniotic sac, we put the stomach and the spleen in the abdominal cavity, which is virtual, and positioned a spring-loaded silo. At 15th day of life we had complete reduction of the intestinal loops and liver and we closed the wall defect with a prosthesis and a cryopreserved skin. The general conditions of the patient, very severe since birth, became progressively worse and he died in the 21st day of life. Discussion. Once the diagnosis is done the physician should offer the parents a therapeutic abortion, and above all, in case they want to carry the pregnancy to term, we need to prepare them to the severity of the malformation and the high probability of death.

Spinal Deformity Correction in Marfan Syndrome Versus Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Retrospective case control study. To compare patients with Marfan syndrome and matched patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) to illustrate the differences and identify areas for potential surgical improvement. Patients with Marfan syndrome commonly require spinal deformity surgery, but practice guidelines and results are not as established as those for patients with AIS. We matched 34 adolescents with Marfan syndrome with patients with AIS (ratio, 1:2) for age, sex, and degree of major deformity. Overall mean age was 14 ± 2 years and mean curves were 51° thoracic and 46° lumbar. Mean follow-up was 5.3 and 3.6 years, respectively. The Marfan syndrome group had significantly more thoracolumbar kyphosis correction (9.5° vs. 0.1°, P = 0.05), significantly more levels fused (12 ± 2 vs. 9 ± 3, P ≤ 0.01), significantly more fusions to the pelvis (7 vs. 0, P = 0.01), and significantly more correction of sagittal imbalance (2.4 vs. -0.6 cm, P = 0.035). The Marfan syndrome group also had more intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks (3 vs. 0, P = 0.01), significantly more instrumentation complications (3 vs. 1, P = 0.007), more reoperations for indications [such as fixation failure, distal degeneration, and spine fracture (9 vs. 0, P = 0.01)], and lower SRS-22 total (3.9 vs. 4.5, P = 0.01) and partial (P < 0.015) subscores. There were no significant differences between the groups in progression of unfused proximal thoracic curves, blood loss, neurological deficit, hospital stay, percent correction, or infection rate. Patients with Marfan syndrome differ in several ways from those with AIS: they require more levels of surgical correction, more distal fusion, greater correction of sagittal balance, and more reoperations, and they have more intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks and instrumentation-related complications. Knowledge of these differences is important for planning surgery.

The incidence and outcomes of vertebral column resection in paediatric patients

We report the results of vertebral column resection (VCR) for paediatric patients with spinal deformity. A total of 49 VCRs in paediatric patients from four university hospitals between 2005 and 2009 with a minimum two-year follow-up were retrospectively identified. After excluding single hemivertebral resections (n = 25) and VCRs performed for patients with myelomeningocele (n = 6), as well as spondylectomies performed for tumour (n = 4), there were 14 patients who had undergone full VCR at a mean age of 12.3 years (6.5 to 17.9). The aetiology was congenital scoliosis in five, neuromuscular scoliosis in three, congenital kyphosis in two, global kyphosis in two, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in one and secondary scoliosis in one. A total of seven anteroposterior and seven posterolateral approaches were used. The mean major curve deformity was 86° (67° to 120°) pre-operatively and 37° (17° to 80°) at the two-year follow-up; correction was a mean of 54% (18% to 86%) in the anteroposterior and 60% (41% to 70%) in the posterolateral group at the two-year follow-up (p = 0.53). The mean Scoliosis Research Society-24 total scores were 100 (92 to 108) for the anteroposterior and 102 (95 to 105) for the posterolateral group. There was one paraparesis in the anteroposterior group necessitating urgent re-decompression, with a full recovery. Patients undergoing VCR are highly satisfied after a successful procedure.

Surgical strategies for adult/elderly thoracolumbar and lumbar spinal deformities

Surgical strategies for degenerative thoracolumbar/lumbar spinal deformity in patients over 60 years of age were discussed in this article. Clinical outcomes of posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in 27 consecutive patients over 60 years of age were reviewed. The correction rate of scoliosis was significantly higher in PSF with intervertebral release (IVR) than in non-IVR. Whereas, bending correction index of kyphosis was significantly better in 3-column spinal osteotomy (3CO) than in non-3CO. Although PSF with IVR or 3CO is a major invasive procedure, rigid and imbalanced deformities in the elderly were effectively corrected without severe complications. Degenerative thoracolumbar/lumbar deformities can be classified into 4 particular patterns according to global balance and rigidity of the curve. Our recommended surgical strategies for each pattern of the deformity are demonstrated.

Posterior Spinal Fusion From T2 to the Sacrum for the Management of Major Deformities in Patients With Parkinson Disease

Description of the surgical management of major spinal deformities in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). To evaluate the effectiveness of the construct, the incidence and types of complications, and patient satisfaction. The association of degenerative, neuromuscular, and osteoporotic diseases in PD can lead to major complications after spine surgery. We treated PD patients with major spinal deformities by a posterior-only approach for spinal fusion from T2 to the sacrum. : This retrospective study reviews 12 consecutive patients with PD undergoing this surgery in a 2-year span at a single institution. Radiographs were taken with the EOS low-dose system (EOS Imaging, Paris, France) before and 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up visit and were evaluated by a spine surgeon not involved in the surgery. Complications were analyzed. The functional outcome was assessed with the SRS-30 questionnaire. The patients' mean age was 68±6.2 years, the mean duration of PD 10±4.9 years, and the mean follow-up 32.8±6.9 months. Six patients had first surgeries, and 6 revisions. Statistically significant improvement was observed in all patients in the frontal and the sagittal planes after surgery. The sagittal vertical axis improved from 15.2±9.3 cm preoperatively to 0.5±3.2 cm at the last follow-up. Six patients had revision, 3 times for instrumentation failure, twice for proximal junctional kyphosis at T1-T2, and once for an epidural hematoma. The SRS-30 questionnaire indicated strong patient satisfaction, with 11 patients who would have the same procedure again if they had the same condition. This is the first reported series of PD patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion from T2 to the sacrum for major deformities. This study indicates that good correction of sagittal and frontal balance enables good clinical and radiologic results that remain stable over time even when complications occur.

Comparative Analysis of Primary and Secondary Rhinoplasties According to Surgeon's Perspective, Patient Satisfaction, and Quality of Life

We sought to analyze and compare the problems and technical difficulties related to surgical intervention, patient satisfaction, and quality of life after primary and secondary rhinoplasties. A total of 168 cases of rhinoplasty were grouped as primary or secondary according to the patient's history of rhinoplasty. The type of nasal deformity, the surgical approach, and the difficulty of the surgery were recorded. The levels of patient satisfaction and the quality of life were assessed before and after the operation with the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE) and European Quality of Life-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaires. A quantitative and statistical analysis was performed. Thirty-three patients had secondary rhinoplasty, and 135 patients had primary rhinoplasty. Relatively high rates of saddle nose deformity, crooked nose, and tip asymmetry were observed in the secondary rhinoplasty group. The preoperative and postoperative scores on the ROE and EQ-5D questionnaires demonstrated statistically significant differences in both the primary and secondary rhinoplasty groups. The comparison of postoperative change between the primary and secondary rhinoplasty groups did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference. The surgical difficulty of secondary rhinoplasty is approximately twice that of primary rhinoplasty because of the high rate of major deformities. However, the levels of patient satisfaction and improvements in quality of life are similar after primary and secondary rhinoplasties.

The trivector approach for minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty: A technical note

One of the main criticisms of minimally invasive approaches in total knee arthroplasty has been their poor adaptability in cases of major deformity or stiffness of the knee joint. When they are used in such cases, excessive soft-tissue tension is needed to provide appropriate joint exposure. Here, we describe the “mini trivector approach,” which has become our standard approach for total knee replacement because it permits us to enlarge the indication for minimally or less invasive total knee replacement to many knees where quad sparing, a subvastus approach, or a mini quad or mini midvastus snip may not be sufficient to achieve correct exposure. It consists of a limited double snip of the VMO and the quadriceps tendon that reduces tension on the extensor mechanism and allows easier verticalization of the patella as well as good joint exposure.

Feasibility of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Injections for Sesamoid Disorders: A Cadaveric Investigation

To determine whether accurately placed first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) injections consistently deliver injectate to the metatarsosesamoid articulations. Prospective anatomic cadaver study. Procedural skills laboratory at a tertiary care academic institution. Five unembalmed cadaveric lower limb specimens, free from trauma, surgery, or major deformity of the medial forefoot. Ultrasound guidance was used to accurately inject the first MTPJs of each cadaveric specimen with diluted, blue-colored latex. At a minimum of 24 hours after injection, each specimen was dissected to determine whether the latex was present between the metatarsal head and sesamoid bones (metatarsosesamoid articulations). The presence or absence of latex within the first MTPJ and both the tibial and fibular metatarsosesamoid articulations. In all 5 cadaveric specimens, ultrasound-guided first MTPJ injection accurately delivered latex into the first MTPJ. In addition, in each specimen, latex was seen between the metatarsal head and both the fibular and tibial sesamoid bones. Accurate first MTPJ injections reliably deliver latex to the articular surfaces of the metatarsosesamoid articulations. Clinicians administering diagnostic or therapeutic injections for patients with sesamoid disorders should consider injecting the first MTPJ as an alternative to direct metatarsosesamoid articulation injections.

Limb-body wall complex: a case report

Limb-body wall complex is an extremely rare malformation usually characterised by the presence of a major anterior abdominal wall defect, limb deformities, kyphoscoliosis, an absent or short umbilical cord, and/or...

Are Antifibrinolytics Helpful in Decreasing Blood Loss and Transfusions During Spinal Fusion Surgery in Children With Cerebral Palsy Scoliosis?

Therapeutic comparative study. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of antifibrinolytic (AF) agents in reducing blood loss and transfusions during posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) scoliosis. Scoliosis surgery in CP children is associated with substantial blood loss. Few reports on the role of AFs exist. A multicenter, retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of 84 consecutively enrolled patients with CF (age < 18 years) with spinal deformity who underwent PSF and instrumentation. The use of AFs, tranexamic acid (TXA), epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA), or none was based on the surgeon preference. Estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion requirements, and length of stay were recorded. Analysis was performed with the independent-samples t test and 1-way analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni analysis. The average age at the time of surgery was 14.4 ± 2.6 years. The groups were well matched in preoperative major deformity, age, levels fused, and operating time. Forty-four patients received AFs (30 TXA and 14 EACA), and 40 received no antifibrinolytics (NAF). The EBL averaged 1684 mL for the AFs group and 2685 mL for the NAF group (P = 0.002). There was more cell salvage transfusion in the NAF group. No significant differences were found in total transfusion requirements. There was a trend for decreased hospital stay in the AFs group. No adverse effects were seen. On comparison of the 3 groups (NAF, TXA, and EACA), a significant difference was observed between the TXA and the other groups with respect to EBL and cell salvage transfusion. AFs significantly reduced intraoperative EBL associated with PSF, with no adverse effects; however, we could not demonstrate significant differences in total transfusion, except in cell salvage. TXA was more effective than EACA in decreasing the EBL and cell salvage transfusion.

Complications of pamidronate therapy in paediatric osteoporosis

Pamidronate, used for the treatment of paediatric osteoporosis, reduces the fracture rate and improves ambulatory status. Intravenous pamidronate therapy has known complications which have not been stratified based on its dose and distribution. This study aims to assess the early minor and major medical and late surgical complications and the effect of the dose and regimen of infusion on these events in paediatric osteoporosis. Retrospective cohort. Three regimens for pamidronate infusion were followed in sequential periods in 10years. Regimen A delivered 1.5mg/kg/day as a single dose once in 3months. Regimen B delivered 2mg/kg/day for 3days twice a year, while regimen C delivered 1mg/kg/day for 3days every 3-4months. Adverse events were classified as early (major and minor) or late (surgical). Forty-eight children received 158 infusions using one of the three regimens. Twenty-nine complications occurred in 24 children. A significant difference in the complication rate was present among the three regimens (P=0.005). Nineteen children had minor complications, mainly febrile reaction or asymptomatic hypocalcaemia. Four major complications consisting of one seizure, one respiratory distress and two hypocalcaemic tetany were encountered, all with regimen B. Intraoperative complication faced was loss of position due to splintering of the cortex while rush rodding. This was seen in 20% of the long bone segments operated in those who received pamidronate as compared to 4.4% of the segments which were operated prior to the initiation of pamidronate therapy; the odds of splintering were 5.4 times higher for those patients who were bone segment rodded after pamidronate therapy. Intravenous pamidronate is associated with complications in 50% of children with paediatric osteoporosis, with a dose-dependent significant difference. Major complications are not uncommon with higher doses and can be avoided by increasing the number of doses per year and decreasing the dose per cycle. Surgical difficulty, when possible, can be avoided by correcting any major deformities at presentation prior to the induction of pamidronate therapy.

Differentiated approach to Chêneau brace choice for the scoliosis treatment

Materials and methods Study group included 1700 patients with AIS treated by Cheneau brace [1]. Major deformity Cobb angle ranged 20°-40°, spinal rotation ranged 15°-35°. Age of the patients was ranged 11-15 years old. Radilogic mesurements and clinical presentation of the spinal deformity during the investigation were assesed [2]. Mean followup was 5 years. In this study Rigo’s clinical and radiological criteria [3] and SRS terminology were used.

A randomised trial comparing the clinical effectiveness of different emergency department healthcare professionals in soft tissue injury management

ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness of soft tissue injury management by emergency nurse practitioners (ENPs) and extended scope physiotherapists (ESPs) compared to the routine care provided by doctors in a...

LABORATORY EVALUATION OF INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITY OF ADATHODA VASICA (ACANTHACEAE) AND GLYRICIDIA MACULATA (LEGUMINOSAE) ON THE THIRD INSTAR LARVAE OF ORYCTES RHINOCEROS L.(COLEOPTERA: SCARABAEIDAE)

ABSTRACT The study evaluates the effect of feeding the third instar larvae of the coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros L.(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) with leaf powders of Adathoda vasica (Acanthaceae) and Glyricidia maculata (Leguminosae).Control larvae were fed on sterilized and powdered cow dung while the experimental larvae were fed on a mixture of cow dung and leaf powder. Concentration of the leaf powder in the mixture was 1%. Both plants induced mortality in the larvae, prepupae, pupae and adults. Higher rate of mortality of the larvae and prepupae was induced by G.maculata while higher pupal and adult mortality rate was noticed in A.vasica fed group. Adults emerged from the larvae fed on the experimental diets revealed morphological deformities. Deformities were greater in the Glyricidia fed group. Malformations were more in the wings and legs. Exoskeletal deformities, distorted and prolapsed wings, vertically split elytra, melanization of the cuticle and wings and oozing out of haemolymph are the major deformities observed in the study. Fat body and ovarioles of a few experimental female beetles showed some abnormalities. Both plants are promising for the control of O. rhinoceros by causing mortality, disrupting development and also by causing deformities. The deformities observed in the study can result in abnormalities in vital activities like walking, flying and reproduction. The results direct towards the potential of the experimental diets to induce developmental deformities, metabolic abnormalities and reproductive aberrations in O.rhinoceros

Morbidity and mortality after spinal deformity surgery in patients 75 years and older: complications and predictive factors

As the population continues to age, relatively older geriatric patients will present more frequently with complex spinal deformities that may require surgical intervention. To the authors' knowledge, no study has analyzed factors predictive of complications after major spinal deformity surgery in the very elderly (75 years and older). The authors' objective was to determine the rate of minor and major complications and predictive factors in patients 75 years of age and older who underwent major spinal deformity surgery requiring a minimum 5-level arthrodesis procedure. Twenty-one patients who were 75 years of age or older and underwent thoracic and/or lumbar fixation and arthrodesis across 5 or more levels for spinal deformity were analyzed retrospectively. The medical and surgical records were reviewed in detail. Age, diagnosis, comorbidities, operative data, hospital data, major and minor complications, and deaths were recorded. Factors predictive of perioperative complications were identified by logistic regression analysis. The mean patient age was 77 years old (range 75-83 years). There were 14 women and 7 men. The mean follow-up was 41.2 months (range 24-81 months). Fifteen patients (71%) had at least 1 comorbidity. A mean of 10.5 levels were fused (range 5-15 levels). Thirteen patients (62%) had at least 1 perioperative complication, and 8 (38%) had at least one major complication for a total of 17 complications. There were no perioperative deaths. Increasing age was predictive of any perioperative complication (p = 0.03). However, major complications were not predicted by age or comorbidities as a whole. In a subset analysis of comorbidities, only hypertension was predictive of a major complication (OR 10, 95% CI 1.3-78; p = 0.02). Long-term postoperative complications occurred in 11 patients (52%), and revision fusion surgery was necessary in 3 (14%). Patients 75 years and older undergoing major spinal deformity surgery have an overall perioperative complication rate of 62%, with older age increasing the likelihood of a complication, and a long-term postoperative complication rate of 52%. Patients in this age group with a history of hypertension are 10 times more likely to incur a major perioperative complication. However, the mortality risk for these patients is not increased.

The Prevalence of Predisposing Deformity in Osteoarthritic Hip Joints

It is becoming increasingly evident that hip joint deformities may be major contributors to the development of osteoarthritis, and the term 'idiopathic osteoarthritis' may be inappropriate in many cases. Our study cohort was derived from the Copenhagen Osteoarthritis Sub-study, a cross sectional population-based database of 4151 individuals, all of whom had a standard anteroposterior weight-bearing pelvic radiograph taken. Hip joints were classified according to type and degree of deformity. We defined hip osteoarthritis by a minimum joint space width of < or = 2 mm. This cut-off has a significant relationship in both sexes with the clinical presentation. The study cohort which fulfilled these inclusion criteria consisted of 322 females (149 right hips and 173 left hips) and 162 males (77 right hips and 85 left hips) with osteoarthritis. We found an overall prevalence of predisposing hip deformities in females of 62.4% and in males of 78.9%. Minor and major deformities showed the same prevalence. Both sexes had a comparable prevalence of minor and major hip joint deformity, except for pistol grip deformity, which was more prevalent in men. We concluded that 'idiopathic osteoarthritis' is uncommon, and that even minor predisposing deformities are associated with hip osteoarthritis.

Global analysis of sagittal spinal alignment in major deformities: correlation between lack of lumbar lordosis and flexion of the knee

It has become well recognised that sagittal balance of the spine is the result of an interaction between the spine and the pelvis. Knee flexion is considered to be the last compensatory mechanism in case of sagittal imbalance, but only few studies have insisted on the relationship between spino-pelvic parameters and lower extremity parameters. Correlation between the lack of lumbar lordosis and knee flexion has not yet been established. A retrospective study was carried out on 28 patients with major spinal deformities. The EOS system was used to measure spinal and pelvic parameters and the knee flexion angle; the lack of lumbar lordosis was calculated after prediction of lumbar lordosis with two different formulas. Correlation analysis between the different measured parameters was performed. Lumbar lordosis correlated with sacral slope (r = -0.71) and moderately with knee flexion angle (r = 0.42). Pelvic tilt correlated moderately with knee flexion angle (r = 0.55). Lack of lumbar lordosis correlated best with knee flexion angle (r = 0.72 and r = 0.63 using the two formulas, respectively). Knee flexion as a compensatory mechanism to sagittal imbalance was well correlated to the lack of lordosis and, depending on the importance of the former parameter, the best procedure to correct sagittal imbalance could be chosen.