Relationship of the lumbar Lordotic angle to the abdominal aortic deviation and abdominal aortic diameter

In anterior approaches during lumbar disc surgery, knowledge of abdominal aorta (AA) deviation and the lumbar lordotic angle (LLA) may provide surgeons with greater foresight in surgical planning and assist in preventing complications. This study aimed to determine the effect of AA deviation on AA morphometry and the effect of the LLA on both AA deviation and AA morphometry. A total of 499 individuals (259 females, 240 males) with a mean age of 50.60 ± 17.96 years were included in this retrospective study. On 2D computed tomography angiography (CTA) images, LLA and AA diameters were measured at 3 different vertebral levels. The vertebral levels of AA deviation were determined on 3D images. While the AA diameter values were greater in individuals with AA deviation (p < 0.001), it was observed that the level of deviation did not affect AA morphometry (p > 0.05). AA deviation was most frequently observed at the L2-L3 level in females, while the mid-L3 level was the most common site of AA deviation in males (p = 0.019). LLA was significantly greater in females compared to males (p = 0.015), but it was not affected by the presence of AA deviation (p = 0.373). The data from this study could provide guidance for endovascular interventions and anterior lumbosacral surgical procedures and could make a valuable contribution to the existing literature.