Can C7 Plumbline and Gravity Line Predict Health Related Quality of Life in Adult Scoliosis?

STUDY DESIGN: This study prospectively evaluated the health related quality of life (HRQOL) of 73 adults presenting with scoliosis at a single institution, as related to their spinal (C7 plumbline) and global (gravity line) balance. OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of sagittal and coronal balance on HRQOL in adult scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Many surgeons believe that achieving adequate spinal balance is important in the management of adult spinal deformity, but the evidence supporting this concept remains limited. A previous study has found weak correlations between sagittal spinal balance and HRQOL in adult spinal deformity, but this finding has never been confirmed independently. In addition, although the use of the gravity line is gaining interest in the evaluation of…