O 057 - The intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of a method measuring the sagittal curvature of the spine using surface topography

Spinal curvature in the sagittal plane is associated with poor health related outcomes with age, such as decreased mobility, respiratory problems and increased mortality [1]. The gold standard for measuring sagittal spine curvature is the modified Cobb angle obtained from a lateral radiograph of the spine [2]; however, it is expensive and employed restrictively due to radiation exposure. Other widely accepted non-invasive methods, such as the flexicurve and Debrunner ’s kyphometer, have been shown to have high reliability and moderate validity in the thoracic kyphosis measurement [3], indicating space exists for a more robust, accurate non-invasive measure tool.
Source: Gait and Posture - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Tags: Short communication Source Type: research