Abstract

Background. Surface topography in idiopathic scoliosis should take into account scoliosis-specific parameters (POTSI and Hump Sum). The aim of the study was to introduce these parameters, previously not described in Polish literature, and describe their use in the work-up of scoliotic children. Material and methods. A total 105 girls, aged 13.7 ± 1.9 years, including 54 treated with a Cheneau brace and 51 not braced, were examined in spontaneous standing. POTSI and Hump Sum were calculated according to the original description; Sum of Rotation, a new parameter, was defined as the sum of trunk rotation angles measured at twelve thoracic and five lumbar levels, adjusted for peMs rotation. Results. In girls with 25-40° scoliosis, POTSI was 25.5 ± 16.7 and the Hump Sum was 16.9° ± 6.8° in the group of brace-treated girls, compared to 24.5 ± 11.5 and 18.0° ± 4.8°, respectively in the non-braced group. In girls with scoliosis above 45°, POTSI was 33.4 ± 17.5 and the Hump Sum was 24.9° ± 3.6 in the brace-fitted group, and 41.0 ± 22.1 and 25.8° ± 10.6°, respectively in the non-braced group. Unlike the Hump Sum, the Sum of Rotation was not dependent on the observer. Conclusions. The POTSI index revealed its utility for the assessment of frontal piane asymmetry and could replace eleven previously used parameters. The Hump Sum and Sum of Rotation were found to be useful for the evaluation of the transverse piane deformity.

Key words:

scoliosis, surface topography parameters