The validity and reliability of measurements in spinal deformities: a critical appraisal.
Quantitative measurement of spinal deformity is the preliminary step in order to plan a therapeutic regimen. The most commonly used methods and, for this matter, practically any measurement methods, may have several sources of errors, namely: a. errors in taking a radiograph; b. errors intrinsic to the measurement method; c. errors due to anatomical deformity of the vertebrae; d. observer errors in measurement technique. These are discussed, and suggestions are given to minimize them.
Capasso
G
G
University of Naples, First Medical School, Italy.
Maffulli
N
N
Testa
V
V
D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D011187:Posture; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D013679:Technology, Radiologic