[Methods of surface measurements in idiopathic scoliosis]

The radiologic evaluation of scoliotic spines is a well established, exact method. In long follow-up histories these patients aquire a remarcable radiation exposure. Measurement of additional clinical parameters intends since decades to minimize this exposure. Documentation of surface deformities follows the presumption of a correlation between these and the radiologic angles. The analysis of 714 completely documented untreated idiopathic scoliotic curves showed a good overall correlation between surface deformity and Cobb angle, but single measurements varied too widely to make the used surface documentation a real alternative to x-rays. Treated scoliosis patients pose additional problems in the evaluation, a any treatment - brace and operation - further diminish the correlation. Obviously the usual clinical surface evaluation can only document the cosmetic appearance. Regular radiologic follow-up stays inevitable especially in treated scoliotic patients.