Last updated on July 6 2022
Description
Coronal balance (CB) is a parameter that needs to be evaluated in spinal deformity, particularly in scoliosis, using long spine radiography. It measures whether or not the upper spine is located over the midline (normal) or off to one side. Thus, to measure the alignment of the spine this procedure can be used.
To assess coronal balance, a plumb line is dropped from C7 to the sacral (exactly in the same way as for the assessment of sagittal balance but in AP view) and the horizontal length between this plumb line and the midpoint of the sacrum is measured. To calculate the coronal balance, it is required an X-Ray on the AP view.
Coronal Balance forward (> 2 cm, to the right), neutral (0 – 2 cm), and backward (< 2 cm, to the left). The distance and direction of this line define the:
- Positive Coronal Balance: the plumb line passes to the right of the midline;
- Neutral Coronal Balance: the plumb line passes within 2 cm of the midline;
- Negative Coronal Balance: the plumb line passes to the left of the midline.
Measurements
The measurement made by the procedure is displayed in the image:
- Coronal Balance (CB): the horizontal offset from the midpoint of the sacrum to the plumb line.
Auxiliary references
To show this procedure, PeekMed® needs additional references:
- Plumb Line: a vertical line starting from the midpoint of the C7 vertebral body.
How to perform
After selecting this procedure in the sidebar, you must mark the points to conclude it. To see the caption of each point you need to click on this button 
Beware: you can change the position of the points at this stage or later. To do this, simply click on each handle with the left mouse button and move them to the most suitable position.
This procedure has no advanced configuration.