Evaluation of geometric parameters of the lumbosacral vertebae: a radiographic study of indigenes, resident in Yenagoa

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dimensions of geometric variables of the lumbar vertebrae are important for proper planning and implant design in the management of low back pain. Variations in the dimensions have been observed across different populations hence the objective of this study to provide reference values for the population under study. This study evaluates the geometric parameters of the lumbosacral vertebrae, focusing on the lumbosacral angle (LSA), lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), and lumbosacral disc angle (LSDA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Normal lumbosacral spine x-rays of 200 adult (96 males and 104 females) aged from 18-60 years were used for this study. The lumbosacral angle (LSA), lumber lordotic angle (LLA) and lumbosacral disc angle (LSDA) were measured using a goniometer. Simple random sampling technique was used and all data subjected to statistical analysis with p-value 0.05 as statistically significant.

RESULTS: The mean LSA^o for all ages in our study population is 39.35^o±6.04, while the mean of LLA^o is 42.58^o±7.27 and that for LSDA is 13.54^o±2.60. No significant difference was seen in the values between males and females in LSA^o, LLA^o and LSDA^o.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion this study determined the values of LSA, LLA and LSDA in the study population which will be of value in the intervention and management of low back pain in our population.