[Torsion and rotation of apical vertebrae and thoracic deformity in idiopathic thoracic scoliosis in computer tomography].

CT examination of 9 patients with primary thoracic right sided scoliosis aged from 13 to 19 years (15 years and 4 months on an average) was carried out. The angle of curvature (Cobb method) ranged from 38 degrees to 99 degrees (68 degrees on an average). Rotation of the apical vertebra was measured and torsion evaluated. Rotation ranged from 5 degrees to 28 degrees (17 degrees on an average). No relation among rotation, angle of curvature and size of the hump was found. The directions of rotation and torsion were opposite. At the apex of curvature due to torsion the end of spinous process was deviated towards the hump but the vertebrae into opposite direction.