Scoliosis assessment
Choosing the right treatment for scoliosis relies on first being able to accurately assess and measure it
Accurate assessment of a scoliosis or hyperkyphosis case is one of the most important steps in achieving the best outcome.
Assess posture, measure X-Rays
Scoliosis can be detected through postural assessment, but can only be accurately diagnosed and measured on an X-Ray of the spine. Standing X-Rays should only be used, as they show the true degree and alignment of the curve or curves while the patient is upright. Lying down X-Rays are not as useful as the spine can be mispositioned and the true extent of the scoliosis minimised.
Once X-Ray images have been taken, a type of measurement called the “Cobb angle” is used to assess the degree of the scoliosis. It is criticial that any health professional assessing scoliosis be familiar and accurate with this measurement, as it is then used to form recommendations for treatment options based on the degree of curve.
What scoliosis measurements mean
A scoliosis is a curve with over 10 degrees Cobb angle, with visible rotation of the vertebrae. If no rotation is seen on X-Ray, the curve is not a true scoliosis and may be postural or positional.
Many scoliosis surgeons recommend surgery when the curve is over 40 or 45 degrees and there is a high probability of worsening over time.
ScoliCare’s approach to scoliosis treatment is to ensure each curve is accurately assessed from the outset and to recommend appropriate treatment options, tailored to each patient.
We can conduct an assessment face to face or, if you already have X-rays, we can offer a second opinion. Reviewing existing X-rays is a free online service. Note that we review scoliosis and hyperkyphosis X-rays only.
Success stories
from our clinics
We’d like to thank our patients for their permission to use their images and results in our case studies. These studies are not to be reproduced without written permission from ScoliCare.
Case – Scoliosis Specific Exercise (18 year old female)
Reduction of a scoliosis in a young adult using ScoliBalance (Scoliosis Specific Exercise Rehabilitation)Case – Juvenile Bracing (7 year old patient)
Patient aged 7 years with scoliosis thoracic curve measured at 32° and lumbar curve measured at 27° In-brace correction achieved with a custom 3D designed scoliosis brace compared with a standard TLSO in a juvenile scoliosis patient Summary: This case demonstrates the effect of a custom 3D designed scoliosis orthosis…
Case – Adult Bracing (78 year old female)
78 year old female patient with progressive idiopathic scoliosis into adulthood. Summary: This case highlights improvements in pain, function and postural deformity in a 78-year-old patient using a custom 3D designed low profile scoliosis orthosis combined with physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises. The patient presented with a 25 degree right-sided lumbar…
Case – Infantile Bracing (3 year old female)
Female patient aged 3 years with an infantile scoliosis. Treatment of an infantile scoliosis using a custom 3D designed scoliosis brace. Summary: This case demonstrates the treatment of a moderate sized infantile scoliosis using a custom 3D designed rigid scoliosis orthosis in a 3-year-old female patient. The patient’s scoliosis had initially…
Case – Adult Bracing (56 year old female)
56 year old female patient with de novo degenerative scoliosis. Postural improvement, improved mobility and reduced pain in a female patient with de novo degenerative scoliosis using a 3D designed custom brace Summary: This case demonstrates the successful management of a patient with de novo degenerative scoliosis. The patient presented…
Case – Adolescent Bracing (14 year old female)
Reduction of a severe scoliosis in a young female gymnast using a 3D custom brace and ScoliBalance program.Case – Adolescent Bracing (14 year old male)
Male patient aged 14 years with a right thoracic curve measured at 49 degrees. Reduction of a severe scoliosis using a custom 3D over-corrective scoliosis brace and scoliosis specific rehabilitation in a 14-year-old male Summary: This case demonstrates the management of a young male athlete with a severe scoliosis using…
Case – Kyphosis Bracing (16 year old female)
Reduction of a Hyper-kyphosis in a 16-year-old female patient using a 3D designed kyphosis brace Case Background The patient presented to the ScoliCare clinic at 14 years of age with postural deformity and pain in the middle back. Examination Findings The patient was a pre-menarchal teenager who reported pain across…
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