title: The value of the measurement from T5 to T12 as a screening tool in detecting abnormal kyphosis.
abstract: Because vertebral endplates above T5 are not consistently seen on standard lateral radiographs, we assessed the reliability of measuring from T5 to T12 to detect abnormal kyphosis in children. Sixty-nine subjects were included, with 43 normal controls. Propst-Proctor and Bleck reported the normal measurement of T5-T12 to be between 20 and 33 degrees. All 69 patients with abnormal kyphosis measured > 33 degrees from T5 to T12. Twenty-four normal subjects had measurements < or = 33 degrees, and 19 measured > 33 degrees. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 100, 56, and 83%, respectively, when using 33 degrees as the upper limit of normal. In conclusion, a measurement from T5 to T12 of > 33 degrees on lateral thoracolumbar radiographs as a screening for abnormal kyphosis had a sensitivity of 100%. For patients with a measurement > 33 degrees, additional lateral radiographs to visualize the entire thoracic spine above T5 would be warranted.
authors.affiliation: Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children, Philadelphia, PA 19152, USA.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Kolessar
authors.forename: G T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Stollsteimer
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Betz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007738:Kyphosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*