Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Clinical Efficacy of Ultrasound-Assisted Scoliosis-Specific Exercise in Mild-Grade Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Published on: December 2, 2025
Cobb angle measurement of scoliosis using computer measurement of digitally acquired radiographs-intraobserver and
S Srinivasalu1, Hitesh N Modi, Satyen Smehta
1Department of Orthpedic Surgery, Scoliosis Research Institute, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Study Design:
We evaluated computer assisted digital measurement of radiographic parameters in patients with idiopathic scoliosis.
Purpose:
To assess the reliability of digital measurements.
Overview Of Literature:
Various authors analyzed scoliotic deformities by conventional radiographs, but very few studies have addressed the reliability of digital radiographic measurement using computer software.
Methods:
Three independent, blinded observers measured 318 whole spine pre-operative antero-posterior radiograms of children with varying degrees of idiopathic scoliosis. Only one curve per radiograph was measured. Each observer measured the Cobb angle three times with a 1-week gap between each measurement. The computer system, picture archiving and communication system (PACS, PiViewSTAR version 5) was used in all cases. The end vertebrae were pre-selected to avoid this as a potential source of error. The results were statistically analyzed for intraobserver and interobserver reliability and variability.
Results:
The 95% confidence intervals for intraobserver and interobserver variability were +/-1.30 and +/-1.260, respectively. There was better reliability in larger curves.
Conclusions:
Measurement using a digitized system may help to minimize measurement discrepancies by eliminating an intrinsic cause of error.
