The Reliability and Diagnostic Value of Radiographic Criteria in Sagittal Spine Deformities

Abstract

The segmental CA exhibited a higher degree of reliability than the vertebral WR. The apex vertebral WR exhibited the greatest amount of wedging in the Scheuermann's patients; whereas in the other groups it remained largely consistent with the adjacent vertebral WRs. An apex vertebral WR < or = 0.80 and/or a segmental CA of > or = 20 degrees are highly associated with the clinical diagnosis of Scheuermann's kyphosis. If the segmental CA cannot be ascertained, the apex vertebral WR is a relatively strong reliable alternative, primarily with regards to Scheuermann's kyphosis. In addition, the type of deformity may potentially dictate the ideal measuring method.