[A new method for measuring rotation of a vertebral scoliosis (author's transl)].

A new radiologic method for measuring the rotation of a scoliosis from CT pictures is described. Normal deviation from the 0 position at the level of the first lumbar vertebra in 50 patients without clinically demonstrable scoliosis when accurately positioned, was M = 0.06 degrees +/- 2.95 SD. Direct measurements of the rotation of the spine and of the displacement of the sternum permit serial observation of the progress of the scoliosis and of the consequent thoracic deformity, as well as the result of treatment.