Abstract
BackgroundClinical examination with the use of scoliometer is a basic method for scoliosis detection in school screening programs. Surface topography (ST) enables three-dimensional back assessment, however it has not been adopted for the purpose of scoliosis screening yet. The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of ST for scoliosis screening.Methods996 girls aged 9 to 13 years were examined, with both scoliometer and surface topography. The Surface Trunk Rotation (STR) was introduced and defined as a parameter allowing comparison with scoliometer Angle of Trunk Rotation taken as reference.ResultsIntra-observer error for STR parameter was 1.9°, inter-observer error was 0.8°. Sensitivity and specificity of ST were not satisfactory, the screening cut-off value of the surface topography parameter could not be established.ConclusionsThe study did not reveal advantage of ST as a scoliosis screening method in comparison to clinical examination with the use of the scoliometer.
Highlights
Clinical examination with the use of scoliometer is a basic method for scoliosis detection in school screening programs
Arguments against screening exist: (1) low predictive value leading to excessive number of children referred to specialists; (2) possibly increased amount of x-ray imaging in children; (3) lack of certainty about which small scoliosis will progress and require treatment; (4) cost issue and (5) stress induced by examination [12,13]
Clinical evaluation of the spine, the Angle of Trunk Rotation (ATR) measurement with the use of Bunnell scoliometer and the surface topography examination with the use of CQ Electronic System (Poland) device were performed on the same day by one observer (J.C.)
Summary
Clinical examination with the use of scoliometer is a basic method for scoliosis detection in school screening programs. Arguments against screening exist: (1) low predictive value leading to excessive number of children referred to specialists; (2) possibly increased amount of x-ray imaging in children; (3) lack of certainty about which small scoliosis (below 20° of Cobb angle) will progress and require treatment; (4) cost issue and (5) stress induced by examination [12,13]. Despite those facts, Scoliosis screening has not been designed to serve as a diagnostic method. Children with intermediate trunk asymmetries ought to be rechecked at school within a few months as long as the asymmetry is not progressive [2,22]
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