Ces radiol. 2007, 61(1):74-79

Imaging methods in assessment of the scoliotic spine deformitiesReview article

Martin Repko¹, Martin Krbec¹, Andrea Šprláková-Puková², Richard Chaloupka¹, Jiří Neubauer²

¹ Ortopedická klinika FN, Brno-Bohunice

² Radiologická klinika FN, Brno-Bohunice

Scoliosis represents three-dimensional spinal deformity with involvement in frontal, sagittal, and axial planes. Early diagnosis of these deformities is essential in order to protect spine from development of scoliotic deformity and to stabilize it till the end of the growing period. Imaging methods became the most important examination of the scoliosis. Radiograms in antero-posterior and lateral views with or without inclination are focused to the central point of the spine curves. Grading of scoliosis is based on Cobb's angle measurement on antero-posterior view, the sagittal balance on lateral views according to Duval-Beaupére with T9 and sagittal tilt measurement. Apical vertebral rotation is measured according to Nash and Moe or according to Perdriolle. Recently, spiral CT is also utilized. The anatomy of spinal canal is assessed most frequently using magnetic resonance imaging. New, radiation protective approach to scoliosis assessment might be electromagnetic method.

Keywords: scoliosis, three-dimensional analysis, imaging methods

Accepted: October 20, 2006; Published: March 1, 2007  Show citation