|
Year |
2002 |
|---|---|
|
Question Number |
60 |
|
Category |
Pediatric Orthopaedics |
Question
When measuring for scoliosis, the correlation between the angle of trunk rotation and the radiographic Cobb angle is considered
1- zero
2- logarithmic
3- linear
4- biphasic
5- dependent on age
Figures
Answer (click for answer)
Preferred response: 3.
The relationship between angle of trunk rotation and Cobb angle is linear. An angle of trunk rotation of 5-7 degrees correlates with a Cobb angle of about 15-20 degrees. The first reference describes how the angle of trunk rotation is usually higher than expected for a given Cobb angle and thus is a reliable screening tool for scoliosis. This reference also states that a 5-degree angle of trunk rotation at any level of the spine deserves an orthopaedic evaluation.
Reference: 1) Bunnell WP: An objective criterion for scoliosis screening. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1984;66:1381-1387. 2) Newton P, Wenger D: Idiopathic and congenital scoliosis, in Morrissy RT, Weinstein SL (eds): Lovell and Winter’s Pediatric Orthopaedics, ed 5. Philadelphia, PA, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001, pp 677-740.