Radiological
Classification
The conventional
classification of idiopathic scoliosis is based on a
radiological evaluation in the P/A view and different
types are identified according to the position of the
apex without any consideration of the sagittal view.
This classification provides only partial information
even though scoliosis is known as a three-dimensional
deformation of the spine associated with postural
disorganization. When comparing x-rays among
patients classified as the same, several differences in
the morphological aspect of the curvature and other
characteristics may be noted. Clinically, the
differences in posture for these patients are obvious
enough to reconsider if they are indeed of the same type
of scoliosis. This has lead to the development of
subclasses of the conventional classification of
scoliosis patients. A classification that reflects
the three-dimensional deformation of the spine and the
associated postural disorganization is therefore
essential.
Observation of specific
parameters, by combining frontal and sagittal x-rays, in
order to get the maximum 3D information is
involved.
-
Tilt / rotation / version
for each vertebra
-
Tilt / rotation / version
for the shoulder girdle / thorax / pelvic girdle
-
P/A and lateral shift
-
Modifications in the sagittal
plane of the thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbar
segment
-
Anteversion / retroversion /
antepulsion / retropulsion
Radiological Classification
The conventional
classification of idiopathic scoliosis is based on a
radiological evaluation in the P/A view and different
types are identified according to the position of the
apex without any consideration of the sagittal view.
This classification provides only partial information
even though scoliosis is known as a three-dimensional
deformation of the spine associated with postural
disorganization. When comparing x-rays among
patients classified as the same, several differences in
the morphological aspect of the curvature and other
characteristics may be noted. Clinically, the
differences in posture for these patients are obvious
enough to reconsider if they are indeed of the same type
of scoliosis. This has lead to the development of
subclasses of the conventional classification of
scoliosis patients. A classification that reflects
the three-dimensional deformation of the spine and the
associated postural disorganization is therefore
essential.
Observation of specific
parameters, by combining frontal and sagittal x-rays, in
order to get the maximum 3D information is
involved.
-
Tilt / rotation / version for each vertebra
-
Tilt / rotation / version for the shoulder girdle / thorax / pelvic girdle
-
P/A and lateral shift
-
Modifications in the sagittal plane of the thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbar segment
-
Anteversion / retroversion / antepulsion / retropulsion
