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Background: Patients with idiopathic scoliosis are exposed to repetitive x-ray for angle measurement. Therefore, the discovery or development of alternative techniques with less radiation has continuously been a major concern. Objectives: In this study, we compared the Cobb angles on supine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with those on standing plain radiographs to figure out how precisely the supine MRI can show the real curve. Consequently, the need for certain exposures throughout the management of idiopathic scoliosis might be eliminated. Methods: A total of 103 patients with idiopathic scoliosis were included in this prospective study. The standing radiographs and supine MRI were obtained with less than a 1-month time lag. One senior author assessed Cobb angles of the major curves were on both standing radiographs and MR images. All the eligible patients had already signed the consent for diagnostic imaging, including MRI. The individuals, who were not requested for x-ray and MRI, were excluded from this study. Results: The Mean±SD Cobb angle was 55.5±11.2°‎‏ on the standing plain radiographs and 44.5±10°‎‏ on MR images (P<0.001). The Mean±SD difference between the Cobb angles on the standing plain radiographs and MR images was 11±1.4°‎‏. A significant positive correlation was found between the Cobb angles calculated on plain radiographs and MRI (r=0.996, P<0.001). Accordingly, Cobb angles on MRI could be converted to Cobb angles on plain radiographs under the formula of MRI=0.9* XRAY-5.31 (absolute error of 5.31°‎‏). Conclusion: Cobb angles on supine MRI correlates with measured ones on standing radiographs with an acceptable range of error and could be used as a valuable alternative for radiographic Cobb angle measurement.

The development of the spine and spinal cord occurs at the earliest weeks of gestation. Their development not only affects each other but also are most likely associated with anomalies in other systems. It is essential to recognize the stages of spine development to understand the cause of congenital spinal deformities and their influences on the postnatal growing spine. A vast majority of congenital spinal problems are not evident clinically. For instance, the presence of neural axis abnormalities, such as spinal dysraphism or syringomyelia, may be so subtle that patients never seek medical care. Certain vertebral formation disorders such as hemivertebrae may remain asymptomatic throughout life if they are balanced while those with congenital bars may develop severe deformity. Major defects in the spine are often associated with abnormalities of the other organs such as cardiovascular and genital urinary system that warrants close attention by multidisciplinary specialists. A thorough understanding of the basics of embryology, which serves as a window into the development of the spine, is necessary to enable the practitioner to appreciate why, when, and where the numerous spine deformities develop in utero. Besides, certain developmental defects manifest in adulthood including spondylolysis, degenerative disc disease, congenital spinal stenosis, and even tumors like cordoma. Thus, understanding embryology can assist to establish the proper diagnosis and ensure optimal treatment.

BackgroundSince the time of Paul Harrington numerous implants have been introduced for correction of scoliosis, but none are ideal. Newer devices are very expensive, and in our country some patients cannot afford them.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the results of the Harrington rod (HR) device and the newer Cotrel-Dubousset (CD) device in treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).Materials and MethodsA retrospective review assessed patients with AIS admitted for spinal curve correction treated with HR (n = 120) and CD devices (n = 138) between October 1988 to April 2001 at the Shafa Yahyaeian Hospital, Tehran, Iran. We extracted information from the patient’s file and radiographs before, after and two years post-operation.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 16.7 ± 2.5 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding gender, age, curve before surgery, and percentage of flexibility. The mean curvature was 70 ± 20.7 in the HR and 64.81 ± 19.4 in the CD group before surgery (P = 0.09); and the mean curvature was 40 ± 16.3 and 26.58 ± 15.37 in HR and CD groups respectively after surgery (P = 0.156). The mean curvature was 47.2 ± 15.9 in HR and 31.2 ± 15.4 in CD groups at two years follow-up (P = 0.156).ConclusionsResults of many studies have shown no significant impairment in long-term quality of life and function in patients treated with Harrington rods. According to previously performed studies and the current study, surgical correction with Harrington rods seem to be comparable with the newer more expensive CD device. Although there is no doubt that the preference is to use newer devices in view of some disadvantages of HR, but this does not preclude using it for patients that cannot afford the newer devices.

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