[Measurement of spinal anteflexion in school children by ultrasound topometry]

The anteflexion of the spine in normal schoolchildren was examined by 3D real-time ultrasound topometry to see if differences in the form of restrictions of anteflexion could be detected.

102 schoolchildren at the age of 7 to 9 years volunteered to the study. We measured the spinal anteflexion by recording the row of the spines (C7-L5) in a maximally flexed position with a topometric digitiser. By computer-aided data analysis the curvature of the spinal line was reproduced by lined up radii.

In the sagittal plane the spinal line in anteflexed position showed a single curvature in 8 cases. In 94 cases the spinal line was subdivided into three curvatures (X1, X2, X3) with less mobility of the region from the middle to the lower thoracic segments. For these less mobile segments we calculated a mean relative anteflexion (X2/[(X1 + X3)/2]) of 0.36 (+/- 0.18). In seven children (6.8%) with clinically indirect signs of scoliosis the anteflexion was reduced and in 4 cases out of the standard deviation. For the relative anteflexion the Pearson's correlation coefficient of the measurement 1 and the direct control-measurement was 0.86 (p < 0.001).

By ultrasound topometric measurement of the spinal anteflexion in schoolchildren we are able to identify cases with less ability of anteflexion. Because a restriction of anteflexion is discussed in the pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis, a follow up of these children seems to be usefully.