Computer-assisted versus traditional Cobb angle measurement on digital radiograph in scoliosis

Abstract

To assess Mimics as a new measurement method in Cobb angle in a comparison with traditional measurement and try to explore the advantages and disadvantages of the new method. Twenty X-ray plates of scoliosis were chosen randomly. Two experienced physicians measured the Cobb angles via Mimics and traditional methods twice with an interval of 1 week. And statistical analyses of Cobb angle and difference between two measurements were carried out. The overall correlation was 0.986 for Mimics and traditional measurements. ANOVA demonstrated no significant difference between these two methods. A significant difference existed between the first and second values of Cobb angle in Mimics and traditional measurements. However the absolute difference was small. Mimics can be a new method for measuring the digital radiographs. And its precision is superior to that of the traditional measurement.