Correlation of Spinopelvic Parameters in Lumbar Prolapsed Disc in Armed Police Personnel

Abstract

Introduction: A prolapsed intervertebral disc is a common problem in armed police personnel due to their demanding job nature. Spinopelvic parameters affect the stability of the spine and play a role in the load sharing of the intervertebral disc, contributing to the disc degeneration. Spinopelvic parameters measured in standing radiographs may provide a hint to disc degeneration. This study was conducted to assess the correlation of spinopelvic parameters in lumbar prolapsed intervertebral discs.

Methods: An observational, retrospective study was conducted at Nepal Armed Police Force Hospital over a period from January 01, 2020, to October 10, 2023. The spinopelvic parameters were measured on lateral lumbar X-rays of the armed police personnel and were collected from the PACS system. The correlation between the spinopelvic parameters pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), and pelvic tilt (PT) and prolapsed intervertebral disc (PIVD) was done.

Results: A total of 73 patients (55 M/18 F) with the most common site for PIVD being L4-L5 (50%), and L5-S1 (28%). The measured mean spinopelvic parameters were LL (30.43°±5.77°), PT (15.67°±8.04°), PI (48.99°±9.52°), and SS (30.02°±9.5°). Statistically significant weak correlations were found between LL and PIVD at the L4-L5 level as well as between PI and PIVD at the L4-L5 level.

Conclusion: There exists a negative correlation between the lumbar lordosis and pelvic incidence with PIVD at the most common site, L4-L5. So, patients with lower lumbar lordosis and pelvic incidence have a high chance of PIVD.