Access to a three-dimensional measure of vertebral axial rotation.

Abstract

Scoliotic curvatures can only be assessed through three-dimensional (3D) procedures. Measurement of the axial vertebral rotation appears to be of primary importance for such techniques. Nevertheless, traditional methods are based only on 2D data, obtained through antero-posterior radiographic projections of the spine. A 3D method is described in this study, taking into account the sagittal tilt of the vertebrae. Only such a measurement provides a real 3D method for a true appraisal of the scoliotic spine. The practical implications are developed.