Reduction of lumbar scoliosis by use of a heel lift to level the sacral base

Abstract

The relationship between unlevelness of the sacral base and scoliosis is unclear. A method for reducing mild lateral bend of the lumbar spine by use of a heel lift to level the sacral base was tested in adults. Special methods were used to demonstrate the weight-bearing plane of the sacral base and the angle of lateral bend radiographically. The procedure significantly decreased the unlevelness of the sacral base and significantly reduced the angle of lateral bend. The results suggest that an unlevel sacral base contributes to lumbar scoliosis and that use of a heel lift to level the sacral base in mild cases of lumbar scoliosis can be beneficial.