[Calculation of 3-D deformity in scoliosis by MRI of the total spine in two perpendicular reconstructed planes].
OBJECTIVE
Scoliosis is a spinal deformity that is more complex and does not exist in one plane only. There have been many attempts to analyse three-dimensional spinal deformity, however, these procedures necessitate higher radiation doses.


METHODS
In this study we define angles according to the Cobb Definition. By means of trigonometrical evaluation, 3D calculation of spinal deformity is demonstrated using MRI of the total spine in two reconstructed perpendicular planes. 3D spinal analysis was performed on 41 female and 7 male patients with scoliosis.


RESULTS
79 angles were measured by using the Cobb angle in reconstructed coronal plane of MRI of the total spine and, in addition, by using our method. The scoliosis Cobb angles ranged from 11 - 59 degrees (mean: 23 degrees +/- 9 degrees ), the real angles ranged from 12 - 70 degrees (mean: 32 +/- 14 degrees ). There was a poor correlation between Cobb angles and the 3D calculated angles (r = 0.37; p < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Our method enables us to determine the real angle of scoliosis and to avoid techniques with any radiation risk for the patient.
Gassel
F
F
Klinik und Poliklinik für Orthopädie der Rhein. Friedr.-Wilh.-Universität Bonn, Germany. f.gassel@sankt-rochus-klinik.de
Schmitz
A
A
Koenig
R
R
Jaeger
U
U
Heinemann
C
C
Schmitt
O
O
D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008433:Mathematics; D012016:Reference Values; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013131:Spine / Q000473:pathology