Methods: One hundred asymptomatic adult volunteers (mean age, 29.1±7.9 years; 69 males, 31 females) who satisfied the selection criteria were enrolled in this study. Standing antero-posterior and lateral whole spine and pelvis X-rays were performed, and the radiographic parameters were analyzed. We introduced a “segmentation line” bisecting the apical vertebra/disk to divide the upper arc of lumbar lordosis (ULL) and lower arc of lumbar lordosis (LLL). Results: The mean PI was 48.02°, ULL 29.12°, LLL 16.02°, total lumbar lordosis (TLL) 45.14°, lumbar tilt angle 4.73°, and location of the apex of lumbar lordosis (LLA) 4.11°. The location of the lumbar apex moved higher as the PI increased. The PI was strongly positively correlated with the LLL (r =0.582, p <0.001) and TLL (r =0.579, p <0.001) but not with the ULL (r =0.196, p =0.05). The LLA was strongly positively correlated with the ULL (r =0.349, p <0.001), negatively with the LLL (r =−0.63, p <0.001), and not correlated with the TLL (r =−0.177, p =0.078). Conclusions The PI influences the location of the lumbar apex, the LLL, and the TLL but not the ULL. The location of the lumbar apex significantly influences the segmental lordosis but not the TLL.

Methods: Using the hospital records and imaging database obtained from January 2014 to January 2020, this study retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent surgery for Pott’s spine and met the eligibility criteria. Results: This study included 230 patients with a mean±standard deviation age of 47.7±18.1 years (109 males, 121 females). The Visual Analog Scale score, Oswestry Disability Index, and Cobb angle were significantly improved in these patients (p<0.001). Patients who underwent anterior reconstruction had a greater correction in Cobb angle postoperatively (p=0.042) but also had a greater blood loss (p=0.04). During the follow-up, they experienced a significant loss of correction compared with those who only underwent transpedicular decompression (p=0.026). Nevertheless, patients who underwent anterior reconstruction using mesh/PEEK cages showed no significance difference in the clinical or radiological outcomes. Conclusions Transpedicular decompression used in the surgical management of Pott’s spine showed favorable clinical and radiological outcomes. The additional use of anterior reconstruction obtained equivalent clinical outcomes but resulted in excessive blood loss. Meanwhile, the use of mesh/PEEK cage for anterior reconstruction did not affect the clinical and radiological outcomes.

Methods: Twenty patients (age, 14–60 years) with healed spinal tuberculosis with thoracic kyphosis >50° were included. Lateral-view radiography of the whole spine, including both hips, was performed for assessment of kyphotic angle (K angle), sagittal balance, lumbar lordosis, and spinopelvic parameters. Pulmonary function was assessed by measuring the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and their ratio (FEV1/FVC) by spirometry. Results: A positive correlation between severity of kyphosis and sagittal imbalance was noted, with compensatory mechanisms maintaining the sagittal balance in only up to 80° of dorsal kyphosis. In >80° of kyphosis, FVC was found to be markedly decreased (mean FVC=50.6%). The mean K angle was lower in subjects with lower thoracic kyphosis. In lower thoracic kyphosis, due to short lordotic and long kyphotic curves, both lumbar lordosis and pelvic retroversion worked at compensation, whereas, in middle thoracic kyphosis, due to long lordotic curve, only lumbar lordosis was required. Normal pulmonary function (mean FVC, 83.0%) and lesser kyphotic deformity (mean K angle in adolescents, 69.8°; in adults, 94.4°) were found in adolescents. Conclusions In >80° of thoracic kyphosis, there is sagittal imbalance and a markedly affected pulmonary function. Such patients should be offered corrective surgery if they are symptomatic and medically fit to undergo the procedure. However, whether the surgical procedure would result in improved pulmonary function and sagittal balance needs to be evaluated by a follow-up study.