| OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of pelvic asymmetry in neurologic patients with symptoms not explained by their neurologic diagnosis. METHODS: We analyzed 150 consecutive neurologic patients referred to physiatric consultation based on their clinical examination findings. RESULTS: We observed pelvic asymmetry associated with either C-type or S-type scoliosis and apparent leg-length difference in 87% of the patients. Symmetry could be reestablished by all patients, although 15% showed immediate or imminent relapse. Maintenance of symmetry showed a highly significant (P < .001) correlation with improvement in functional ability and reduction of pain as evaluated during the last visit to the physiatrist. In the follow-up questionnaire, 78% of the patients reported improvement in functional ability and reduced pain. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the view that leg-length difference and scoliosis may be more often of reversible nature than previously considered. Acquired postural asymmetry of the sacroiliac joint may be a neglected cause of several neurologic and other pain-related symptoms that can be relieved by a simple and safe treatment. Click on the above link for the PubMed record for this article; full text by subscription. This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher. DOI Link
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