Accuracy of rasterstereography versus radiography in idiopathic scoliosis after anterior correction and fusion.

Rasterstereography enables to reduce the number of radiographs in the conservative treatment of idiopathic scoliosis (Cobb angles below 50 degrees). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of rasterstereography in severe scoliosis before and after anterior surgery. The results show that the accuracy (as compared to radiographs) is lower in the pre-operative rasterstereographs. However, after operation the Cobb angles were less than 50 degrees in all cases and the accuracy of the rasterstereographs was similar to that of non-operated scolioses. This finding might allow a significant reduction of post-operative radiographs.