[Use of a dynamic balance for standardized imaging technique in entire roentgen images of the spine of children in the upright position].
BACKGROUND
Malposture can simulate deformities of the spine in non-standardized X-rays of the spine.


METHODS
A balancelike positioning device was developed in order to avoid "pseudodeformities" because of the patient's malposture while an X-ray of the spine was being taken. A comparative pilot study (100 patients) was performed and about 3,000 X-rays of the spine were taken routinely using the positioning device.


RESULTS
The clinical examination and radiological findings did not agree, a second X-ray was taken using the balancelike positioning device. One-third of those patients had much better findings with the balance, one-third slightly better results, and one-third revealed no significant improvement of the malposture in the X-ray film compared with the initial X-ray without the balance device.


CONCLUSIONS
Comparable X-rays of the spine can only be taken if posture during the procedure is defined and reproducible. "Casual" posture and "standardized" posture differed in more than two-thirds of our comparative pilot study (n = 100). The findings with a balance device were never inferior compared to the X-rays taken without it.


CONCLUSIONS
A simple balancelike positioning device can help to standardize X-rays of the spine when the patient is standing, providing better reproducibility, more accurate prognostic aspects and fewer ionizing hazards.
Kohlmaier
W
W
Allgemeines und orthopädisches Landeskrankenhaus Stolzalpe.
Lercher
K
K
Tschauner
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013679:Technology, Radiologic / Q000295:instrumentation*
Einsatz einer dynamischen Wippe zur standardisierten Aufnahmetechnik von Röntgengesamtaufnahmen der Wirbelsäule im Stehen bei Kindern.