Quantitative Sonographic Assessment of Scoliosis and Its Correlation with Radiographic Findings

Abstract

Scoliosis is a common problem primarily affecting children. The purpose of this pilot study was to develop and test a technique to identify whether sonography can assess the lateral deviation and rotation occurring in scoliosis. If so, then it could become the diagnostic modality of choice for serial follow-up of these patients after the baseline x-ray, thus decreasing radiation exposure. Five subjects (7 to 30 years old) were scanned with real-time and static equipment. Lateral deviation could be mapped, but it was underestimated sonographically. A new finding was that the depth of soft tissue muscle mass on either side of the apical spinous process was essentially symmetrical, indicating virtually no vertebral rotation with respect to the skin. These results warrant further investigation. With a larger sample and refinements in technique, sonography may prove to be a potential tool in the management of scoliosis.