Thoracic lordosis in idiopathic scoliosis

Lordosis, a significant aspect of thoracic scoliosis, is difficult to assess with routine clinical radiographs. Computerized analysis of 138 sets of standardized anteroposterior and lateral radiographs served to elicit the three-dimensional structure of scoliosis. Spinal curvatures in the usual anatomic planes and in the sagittal and frontal planes of the apical vertebrae were measured. Lordosis was present in 35% of curves greater than or equal to 40 degrees and in 50% of curves greater than 49 degrees. Lordosis may be a contraindication for brace treatment.