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Related Experiment Videos

Variability in Cobb angle measurements using reformatted computerized tomography scans.

Clayton J Adam1, Maree T Izatt, Jason R Harvey

  • 1The Paediatric Spine Research Group, Queensland University of Technology and Mater Health Services Brisbane Ltd, Queensland, Australia. c.adam@qut.edu.au

Spine
|July 19, 2005
PubMed
Summary
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Reformatted computerized tomography (CT) images offer a viable alternative for measuring coronal Cobb angles in idiopathic scoliosis. This method demonstrates measurement variability comparable to traditional plain radiographs.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Radiology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Idiopathic scoliosis Cobb angle measurements traditionally use standing radiographs.
  • Computed tomography (CT) is used for vertebral rotation assessment.
  • Correlating standing radiograph Cobb angles with supine CT vertebral rotations is challenging due to positional and imaging differences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of reformatted computerized tomography (CT) images for manual coronal Cobb angle measurement in idiopathic scoliosis.
  • To assess the intraobserver and interobserver variability of these measurements.

Main Methods:

  • Reformatted thoracolumbar CT images were generated from preoperative CT scans of 12 idiopathic scoliosis patients.
  • Five observers measured coronal Cobb angles on three separate occasions from these reformatted images.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Intraobserver and interobserver variability were calculated and compared to previous studies using plain radiographs.

    • Main Results:

    • For major curves, 95% confidence intervals for intraobserver and interobserver variability were +/-6.6 and +/-7.7 degrees, respectively.
    • For minor curves, these intervals were +/-7.5 and +/-8.2 degrees, respectively.
    • Intraobserver and interobserver technical error of measurement was 2.4 and 2.7 degrees, with reliability coefficients of 88% and 84%.

    Conclusions:

    • Reformatted CT images provide a reliable method for manual coronal Cobb angle measurement in idiopathic scoliosis.
    • The measurement variability is similar to that observed with traditional plain radiographs.
    • No correlation was found between measurement variability and the severity of the scoliosis curve.