The word "sacrovertebral angle" refers to the angle formed by the intersection of the sacrum bone and the vertebral column. The pronunciation of this word is /ˌsækrəʊvɜːtɪˈbriːl ˈæŋɡl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "sacro" prefix refers to the sacrum bone, while "vertebral" refers to the vertebral column. The "-angle" suffix indicates the geometric shape being described. The spelling of this word follows standard English spelling conventions, with each syllable being pronounced clearly and distinctly.
The "sacrovertebral angle" refers to an anatomical measurement that assesses the angle formed between the sacrum and the vertebral column. It is also known as the lumbosacral angle or the lumbar lordosis angle. The sacrovertebral angle is an important parameter used in the evaluation of spinal balance and posture.
To measure the sacrovertebral angle, a line is drawn along the superior surface of the sacrum, while another line is drawn along the superior surfaces of the vertebrae in the lumbar spine. The intersection of these two lines creates the sacrovertebral angle. Generally, the measurement is considered normal when it ranges between 30 and 70 degrees.
The sacrovertebral angle is crucial in assessing lumbar lordosis, which refers to the natural inward curvature of the lower spine. Depending on the individual, certain conditions or diseases can cause the sacrovertebral angle to deviate from the normal range. For instance, a decreased sacrovertebral angle might indicate excessive or decreased lumbar lordosis, while an increased angle might suggest a decrease in lumbar lordosis.
In clinical practice, analyzing the sacrovertebral angle aids healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating various musculoskeletal disorders, including scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, and other spinal deformities. Additionally, alterations in the sacrovertebral angle can be assessed to monitor progress during rehabilitation or surgical interventions related to the spine.
Promontory of the sacrum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "sacrovertebral angle" is a compound term made up of two components: "sacro" and "vertebral".
- "Sacro" is derived from the Latin word "sacrum", which refers to the triangular bone located at the base of the spine between the two hipbones. In Latin, "sacrum" means "sacred" or "holy", possibly due to the belief that this bone was essential for creating a foundation for the human body.
- "Vertebral" comes from the Latin word "vertebra", which means a joint or a joint-like structure, particularly in reference to the bones of the spine or the back.
The term "angle" refers to the measurement or angle between two lines or surfaces.