Unique resource from internationally renowned experts details the key role of sagittal spine balance

Through evolution, human verticality became associated with a wide range of normal pelvic shapes and associated pelvic incidence angles (PIs). While all types of sagittal alignment generally provide adequate support to young adults, age, stress, and related degeneration can progressively lead to sagittal imbalance and contribute to various spinal pathologies.

Sagittal Balance of the Spine by Pierre Roussouly, João Luiz Pinheiro-Franco, Hubert Labelle, Martin Gehrchen, and a cadre of esteemed international contributors focuses on the importance of sagittal alignment and spino-pelvic shape identification in clinical practice. Offering the most comprehensive text on sagittal balance to date, this state-of-the-art, richly illustrated book fills a void in the literature, offering clinical pearls throughout seven sections and 24 chapters.

Key Highlights

• The biomechanics of sagittal balance including spine modeling, primary parameters, spinal curves segmentation, and lumbar lordosis classification
• The role of sagittal balance in low back pain and degeneration, with discussion of spinal orientation and the contact forces theory, spinal degeneration associated with spinopelvic morphotypes, and compensatory mechanisms
• Comprehensive analysis of the relationship between sagittal imbalance and isthmic lysis spondylolisthesis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, Scheuermann's kyphosis, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and adult scoliosis
• Posterior and anterior treatment approaches – from spinal fixation and spinal fusion – to spinal osteotomy techniques and management of surgical failure

This text is essential reading for every neurosurgical and orthopaedic resident, as well as veteran surgeons who evaluate and treat patients with spine conditions. Clinicians will learn why incorporating sagittal balance evaluations into spinal exams is integral to devising more effective treatment strategies and achieving improved outcomes.