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Scoliosis: A Three-Dimensional Problem

Baron S. Lonner, MD
Director
Scoliosis Associates
New York, NY
Sagittal Plane (Lateral or Side View of the Spine)
The spine is a three-dimensional structure and scoliosis is a 3-D problem. Doctors refer to sections of the body as planes, or flat surfaces. Each plane has a name and these terms are used when discussing spinal alignment and balance. The terms are: sagittal plane (side view); coronal plane (front view); and, transverse or axial plane (top, bottom views). Scoliosis surgery addresses all three planes.

anatomical planes

spinal column planes

The patient's scoliosis curvature is measured on a PA (posterior-anterior) x-ray representing the coronal plane (front). The sagittal plane is seen on the lateral (side) x-ray.

  • Kyphosis (round back) is a sagittal plane problem
  • Lordosis (swayback) is a sagittal plane problem

Coronal and Sagittal Planes

coronal plane, anterior-posterior x-ray
Coronal Plane: Anterior-Posterior (Front-Back) X-ray

sagittal plane, lateral x-ray
Sagittal Plane: Lateral (Side) X-ray

Last Updated: 04/02/2007
Continue Reading: Scoliosis Surgery: Flatback Syndrome (Kyphosis)
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