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Axis-line-distance technique preferred method to evaluate perioperative scoliosis treatment
He J. Eur Spine J. 2011. doi:10.1007/s00586-011-2081-2
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When compared with the Cobb method, the axis-line-distance technique is the preferred method for evaluating perioperative scoliosis treatment, according to recent research.
Researchers found a weak to moderate correlation with the Cobb method, where the axis-line-distance technique (ALDT) showed a good to excellent correlation in measuring scoliosis patients during bracing therapy or surgery and in subsequent follow-ups, according to the abstract.
Two independent radiologists calculated the correction rate after either consecutive bracing therapy or surgery of 57 patients with scoliosis using both methods based on 171 perioperative X-rays, according to the abstract. The calculations were done before surgery, during the bracing therapy or surgery and after the final follow-up.
The ADLT showed no significant difference between either of the radiologists when calculating the correction rate or rate of correction loss during or after treatment. The ALDT measured the preoperative lateral deviations of the apical vertebrae as 31 ± 14 mm and also during and after treatment, which were 16 mm ± 8 mm and 20 mm ± 8 mm, respectively.
In contrast, the researchers differed significantly in their intraoperative calculations when using the Cobb method, though their calculation of the correction rate and rate of correction loss were not affected. Cobb angles were calculated at 34° ± 14°, 19° ± 7° and 22° ± 6° at preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative time periods, according to the abstract.