Review Study on the Measurement Tools of Scoliosis: Mainly on Non-radiological Methods

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics, validity, and reliability of non-radiological assessment tools of scoliosis that have been studied so far. Methods: Electronic databases including Pubmed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Science On, RISS, OASIS were searched by keywords including 'scoliosis assessment', 'scoliosis screening', 'physical examination', 'functional measurement', 'photography', and 'smartphone'. Results: 32 articles using radiation-free assessments were identified from 1,011 records. The mostly used non-radiological methods were Surface topography, Scoliometer, Ultrasound, Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging, and Photography. The other methods were Gait analysis, 3D depth sensor imaging, and Low intensity electromagnetic scan. Conclusions: It was found that non-radiological assessment tools might reduce the number of radiographs taken in scoliosis patients. To increase the reliability and validity, further research on the measurement tools of scoliosis will be needed.

Development and validation of a digital twin for the analog scoliometer

“…Over many years, there have been several attempts at developing a wide range of both radiographic as well as non-radiographic methods for measuring the intrinsic vertebral rotation that is a key feature of scoliosis 49 . Using radiography, the popular methods are the Nash-Moe method 50 , the Perdriolle method 51 , the Stokes method 52 , the Raimondi method 53 , and the Rib Vertebra Angle Difference method (for infants) 54 .…”

A survey of the clinical practice followed by Korean medicine doctors for scoliosis: Preliminary data for clinical practice guidelines

“…[21] nonradiographic assessment tools, such as scoliometer, topography, Moiré topography, grid panel, and posture application, have been used to reduce the number of radiographs, but our results indicated their low usefulness due to limitations in reliability and validity. [22] We considered the factors used to classify scoliosis (age and underlying disease) and evaluation for a musculoskeletal disorder (pain information and range of motion) as scoliosis-related factors, and these factors were considered important in the diagnosis. In contrast, questionnaire scores and pattern identification were relatively less necessary for diagnosing scoliosis, and their use was found to be infrequent.…”