INGENIEUR
INGENIEUR
asymmetries in the body , a baseline scoliometer is used . It is an essential tool in measuring the degree of scoliosis by assessing the asymmetries . It measures six areas to detect scoliosis , provides measurements for unstable lumbosacral curve , the cervical and thoracic curves .
3 . Rib Hump and Hump Height Difference ( HHD ) Scoliosis involves the lateral curvature of the spine , along with vertebral rotation . As the curves progress , the spine rotates towards the concave side of the spine curve , moving the rib cage along with it . Ribs on the concave side are pushed anteriorly while ribs on the opposite side are pushed posteriorly , forming the rib hump that protrudes out in the thoracic region . In most cases no pain is experienced , but in case of pain in rib hump there is a possibility of intraspinal rib displacement at the apex of kyphoscoliotic curve . When the dislocated rib head presses against the spine or thorax , it disturbs the nearby nerve root , producing pain [ 7 ].
Limitations and Drawbacks of Scoliosis Monitoring Tests
Monitoring of scoliosis is based on a doctor ’ s assessment of asymmetries in the patient ’ s body and measuring of the Cobb Angle from radiographs . This technique to assessing scoliosis is prone to human error and irreproducibility , and puts the patients through the risk of frequent x-ray exposure . This traditional method , though widely used , is considered inaccurate , timeconsuming and expensive . Studies have been widely conducted to prove the inaccuracies of these independent tests . A 10-year follow-up study on the effectiveness of school screening for scoliosis was conducted and it has shown that Adam ’ s Forward Bending Test is not a safe diagnostic criterion for early detection of scoliosis especially when it is the only screening tool [ 8 ] [ 9 ]. According to a study conducted in Dublin , Adam ’ s Forward Bending Test has proved to be 83 % sensitive to predict or detect 40 º scoliosis curve , but the sensitivity decreased with less severe cases of scoliosis [ 10 ].
Baseline scoliometer is a US patented device that gives readings in inches and radians , which physicians have to manually convert to SI units to use further in formulas to derive the reading for shoulder height difference . Also , the inclinometer affixed on the transverse rod gives analog values with very little precision because of the low accuracy of the inclinometer scale . Furthermore , the measuring tools used are essentially scales which means that they are prone to motion artefacts and human error ( leading to undiagnosed early stages ) and the frequent use of x-rays will lead to invasive long-term exposure of radiation to the patient ( potentially causing more dangerous ailments ).
Scoltech
Scoltech is a digital monitoring device that will help digitise and streamline the examination process for scoliosis , reducing the chance for human error and providing a faster , more accurate and more consistent diagnosis . Doctor ’ s preferences were taken into consideration while designing the new casing . It is a user-friendly , compact , light and comfortable hand-held device for the physician to use for longer durations .
Scoltech is an all-in-one measuring device , able to record multiple measurements ( such as SHD , SLTA , ATR and HHD ) with a simple push of a button . As such , physicians will no longer need to overburden themselves with entire sets of measuring tools and multiple examinations and screenings as they can instantly record multiple measurements all at once . Digital readings are displayed on an LCD screen which not only makes it easier for physicians to read but is not subjected to motion artefacts , thus providing a more consistent measurement .
The device uses multiple sensors and a microprocessor to gather the quantitative value of patient ’ s asymmetries . It is able to measure shoulder difference , angle of trunk rotation and hump height difference . These are key indicators to monitor the patient ’ s physical condition . It uses acromion as the reference point to compare the left and right shoulder difference . It is moved along the spine to measure the angle of trunk rotation and the two prominent humps on patients back are utilised to measure the hump height difference .
46 VOL 95 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2023