Comparison of roentgenography and moiré topography for quantifying spinal curvature.

The purpose of this study was to compare roentgenography and moiré topography for identification, treatment, and prevention of scoliosis at an early age. Moiré topography was used as an assessment tool for the quantitative examination of 12 children with mild-to-moderate scoliosis receiving physical therapy during a three-month period. Each child's roentgenogram also was analyzed independently by orthopedic physicians and radiologists using the Cobb method of measuring spinal curvature. Rho correlations of Cobb angles and the spinal curvature angles based on moiré photographs taken at weeks 4, 8, and 12 were found to be +.94, +.96, and +.93, respectively. The moiré method, thus, may be used as an available, inexpensive, and easily interpreted diagnostic and treatment tool in physical therapy.