Study of spinal sagittal plane curve in patients with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation

Objective To understand the curve of thoracolumbar junction in patients with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc hemiation and analyze the relation between thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation and spinal sagittal curve. Methods The radiographic films of thoracolumbar junction of spine from 27 patients with thoracic disc herniation and 37 healthy persons as control were taken at reclining position. The Cobb angles of sagittal plane of thoracolumbar junction of spine were measured and statistically compared by SPSS (statistics package for social science). Results The Cobb angles of T10-L2, T10-L12 and T12-L2 in patients with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation were greater than those in healthy controls respectively. Conclusion The Cobb angles of sagittal plane of thoracolumbar junction of spine in patients with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation are greater than those in healthy controls. The abnormal spinal curve is possibly responsible for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniation by abnormal biomechanical action. Key words: Intervertebral disc displacement;  Biomochanics;  Spine diseases