Ces radiol. 2008, 62(2):198-202

Measurement of apical vertebral rotation in scoliotic deformities using CTOriginal article

Martin Krbec¹, Martin Repko¹, Jarmila Skotáková²

¹ Ortopedická klinika FN Brno-Bohunice

² Radiologická klinika, Dětská nemocnice FN, Brno

Aim: Studies of axial plane deviation of the spinal column are currently performed in most of the leading scoliotic centres worldwide. The major aim of our study is to establish the feasibility of CT measurements in operated scoliotic spines.

Method: We examined 39 subjects with scoliosis (70 apical vertebrae) operated by means of various surgical approaches. Rotation of apical scoliotic vertebrae along both curvatures was assessed by using spiral CT according to the method defined by Aaro and Dahlborn 1-4 weeks before and 4 months after the surgical correction.

Results: CT examination showed mean worsening of apical thoracic vertebral rotation by 0.54° (3.3%) in the group of 31 patients operated from the posterior approach to the thoracic spine, the mean degree of apical vertebral derotation of the non-operated lumbar segment yielded 5.9° (43.7%) in this group of subjects. Significant improvement of apical lumbar vertebral derotation by 11.7° (49.5%) was found in the group of 8 subjects operated from the anterior approach to the lumbar spine.

Conclusion: CT measurements of apical vertebral rotation in scoliotic spine deformities offer exact assessment of existing deviations in the axial plane. When compared to other radiological methods, CT technique provides objective and highly reproducible results.

Keywords: CT measurement, rotation, scoliosis

Accepted: December 15, 2007; Published: June 1, 2008  Show citation