Pelvic incidence is a measured angle that describes how the pelvis is shaped and oriented relative to the sacrum. It is a key part of “spinopelvic alignment,” which is how the spine and pelvis balance in standing posture. Specialists most often use Pelvic incidence when evaluating sagittal balance (side-view alignment) of the spine. It is commonly discussed in scoliosis, adult spinal deformity, and spondylolisthesis evaluations.
Spinopelvic alignment describes how the spine and pelvis are positioned and balanced relative to each other. It is commonly assessed on standing imaging to understand posture, balance, and spinal curvature. Spine specialists use it to evaluate back pain, deformity, and how the body maintains an upright stance. It is also used to plan and assess outcomes of certain spine and hip-related treatments.
Coronal balance describes how centered the spine and trunk are when viewed from the front or back. It is most often assessed on standing full-length spine imaging. Clinicians use it to describe side-to-side alignment in scoliosis and other spinal deformities. It helps communicate whether the head and upper body are aligned over the pelvis.
The Mesenteric Artery refers to the arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood to the intestines. The most commonly discussed vessels are the superior mesenteric artery and inferior mesenteric artery. These arteries matter clinically because reduced flow can injure bowel tissue and cause serious illness. They are commonly evaluated in vascular medicine, interventional care, and abdominal imaging.
Sagittal balance describes how the spine lines up when viewed from the side. It helps explain how the head, spine, pelvis, and legs stack to keep you upright with minimal effort. Clinicians use it in spine exams and standing X-rays to understand posture and alignment. It is commonly discussed in adult spinal deformity, scoliosis/kyphosis evaluation, and surgical planning.
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional curvature of the spine that includes side-to-side bending and rotation. It is commonly described and measured on standing spine X-rays. Scoliosis is used as a diagnosis in pediatrics and adult spine care to describe a structural spinal deformity. It is also used in surgical planning, bracing decisions, and long-term monitoring.
The Renal Artery is a major blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the abdominal aorta to the kidney. Each kidney usually has its own Renal Artery, one on the left and one on the right. Clinicians commonly discuss the Renal Artery when evaluating kidney blood flow, blood pressure problems, and vascular disease.
Kyphosis is a forward rounding curve of the spine. A mild kyphosis in the mid-back (thoracic spine) is normal in many people. The term is commonly used to describe an *excessive* or *abnormal* rounding that changes posture, comfort, or function. Clinicians use Kyphosis as a diagnosis and a way to describe spinal alignment on exam and imaging.
Brachiocephalic Artery is a major blood vessel that branches off the aorta (the body’s main artery). It supplies oxygen-rich blood toward the right side of the head and neck and the right arm. Brachiocephalic Artery is commonly discussed in cardiovascular imaging, stroke evaluation, and heart and aortic surgery planning. It is also known as the “innominate artery” in many medical texts.
Lordosis refers to the natural inward curve of the spine. It is most commonly discussed in the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine). Clinicians use the term to describe normal alignment and to describe abnormal changes in that curve. You may see Lordosis mentioned in imaging reports, posture discussions, and surgical planning.