Intraobserver and interobserver variability of the assessment of trunk rotation with Bunnell scoliometer in children with idiopathic scoliosis

Tomasz Kotwicki, Kamila Frydryk, Małgorzata Lorkowska, Aleksander Krawczyński, Andrzej Szulc

Tomasz Kotwicki, Kamila Frydryk, Małgorzata Lorkowska, Aleksander Krawczyński, Andrzej Szulc – Intraobserver and interobserver variability of the assessment of trunk rotation with Bunnell scoliometer in children with idiopathic scoliosis. Fizjoterapia Polska 2006; 6(2); 111-116

Abstract

Background. Idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine. The measurement of vertebral axial rotation is one of the most important parameters in the assessment of a scoliotic curve. Bunnell proposed a device — scoliometer in order to measure the angle of trunk rotation (ATR). Scoliometer has not been described in polish scientific literature. Material and methods. 50 patients (65 scoliotic curves) were examined with Bunnell scoliometer. In the forward bending test position the scoliometer was applied to the surface of the back in the region of maximum deformity, with its „zero” over spinous processes. The exam was made by four independent observers: three senior students of physiotherapy and one orthopaedic surgeon experienced in scoliosis management. One author performed the exam three times. lnterobserver and intraobserver agreement were checked with ANOVA. Rib hump height was measured in millimetres and the correlation with the angle of trunk rotation was calculated. Results. lnterobserver agreement revealed high concordance of measurements (ANOVA, p<0,01). Non-experienced observers demonstrated results parallel to those of an experienced specialist. lntraobserver agreement was also found very high (ANOVA, p<0,01). Strong positive correlation between the rib hump height measurement with a goniometer and the angle of trunk rotation measurement with a scoliometer was found (r=0,92, p<0,05) in thoracic curves (n=30). Conclusion. Scoliometer can be recommended for standard use in the checking of children and adolescents examined for scoliosis. Non-experienced paramedicals can correctly use the device.

Key words:
scoliosis, scoliometer, vertebral rotation
Invalid download ID. Pobierz bezpłatnie artykuł w j. angielskim