The relationship between idiopathic scoliosis and pelvis morphometric measurements in adolescents

Spinal deformities pose a significant health problem in humans, causing physical issues such as posture, balance, and gait disturbances. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis seen clinically. In the diagnostic process, curvature of at least 10 degrees in antero-posterior and lateral X-ray images, according to the Cobb method, is considered scoliosis. The pelvis is the section of the human skeleton that connects the trunk with the lower extremities and facilitates the transfer of body weight to the legs. It is expected that certain morphometric properties of the pelvis would also be affected in the presence of a curvature in the alignment of vertebrae, thanks to the connection between the spinal and pelvic skeletons. This study is a retrospective investigation aimed at examining the relationship between Cobb angle and pelvic morphometric features in individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The sample of the study consists of 118 X-ray image records, previously taken at the radiology polyclinic of Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Training and Research Hospital, comprising 67 females and 51 males. Morphometric analysis of the spine and pelvis was calculated in centimeters (cm) using 14 linear and 5 angular measurements between points identified on standing antero-posterior and lateral radiographic images, utilizing the Image J program. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 29.0 package program, with relationships between variables examined through Spearman correlation analysis, following the assumption of normality testing. Independent t-tests and Mann Whitney U tests were employed for group comparisons based on gender, depending on the fulfillment of assumptions. In our study, it was found that in males, there was a significant and negative correlation between the subpubic angle and the Cobb angle, as well as between the right ilium width and the Cobb angle, while the suprapubic angle exhibited a significant positive correlation. However, no significant relationship was found between the Cobb angle and pelvic morphometric measurements in females. Overall analyses covering the entire sample group revealed a positive and significant relationship between the Cobb angle and the suprapubic angle, inter-ischial-interspinal distance, distantia intercristalis, and left-sided foramen obturatorium width and height.