Functional classification of patients with idiopathic scoliosis assessed by the Quantec system: a discriminant functional analysis to determine patient curve magnitude.

STUDY DESIGN

A stepwise discriminant analysis was used to define a spinal deformity score based on three-dimensional measurements by the Quantec spinal image system (raster stereophotograph).

OBJECTIVE

To provide functional classification of spinal deformity in patients with mild idiopathic scoliosis without using radiographs.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Most studies classify the degree of spinal deformity in terms of coronal plane radiograph without analyzing transverse rotation. To the authors' knowledge, no studies investigating classification of spinal deformity in idiopathic scoliosis using Quantec system measurements have been documented.

METHODS

In this study, 129 patients with a single curve and 119 patients with a double curve were divided into three groups according to Cobb angle: Group 1 (less than 10 degrees ), Group 2 (10-20 degrees ), and Group 3 (greater than 20 degrees ).

RESULTS

The patients were assigned to the group with the highest scores after application of a stepwise discriminant analysis. The accuracy of the classification system by functional scores for the patients with a single curve was 85% for Group 1, 63.5% for Group 2, and 71.7% for Group 3. The accuracy of classification by functional scores for the patients with a double curve was 87.1% for Group 2 and 76.1% for Group 3.

CONCLUSION

The back surface image study is a method for providing a quantitative assessment of mild spinal deformity, allowing evaluation of patients by integrated three-dimensional parameters with no reference to radiographs.