Can spinal deformity patients maintain proper arm positions while undergoing full-body X-ray?

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Spinal Deformity Evaluation

Background:

• Accurate sagittal spinal alignment assessment relies on standardized lateral full-body X-rays.
• Patient arm positioning can significantly impact radiographic interpretation and spinal balance assessment reliability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine patient compliance rates with a standardized arm position protocol during full-body X-rays.
• To identify factors influencing compliance in adult and pediatric spinal deformity patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 382 spinal deformity patients' full-body X-rays (2015-2018).
• Analysis of standardized arm position compliance based on operative status, age, and surgical type.
• Statistical analysis including Chi-square and Cochran-Armitage tests.

Main Results:

• Overall compliance rate was 90.0% (370 patients).
• Pediatric patients and those in the postoperative setting showed lower compliance.
• Compliance improved significantly from 2015 to 2018, particularly in adult patients.

Conclusions:

• A 90% compliance rate was achieved for standardized arm positioning in full-body X-rays.
• Pediatric status, postoperative period, and specific complex surgeries were associated with lower compliance.
• Improved compliance over time suggests the benefit of consistent staff training and adherence to protocols.