children s health issues
Scoliosis
Diagnosis of Scoliosis
X-rays To diagnose scoliosis, a doctor asks the child to bend forward and views the spine from behind because the abnormal spinal curve can be seen more easily in this position. X-Rays show the precise angles of curvature. The amount of curvature is defined as the angle between two lines drawn on an x-ray of the spine. The angle is termed the Cobb angle. One line extends from the top of the most tilted upper vertebra and the other line extends from the bottom of the most tilted lower vertebra. In the Cobb method, two lines are drawn on an x-ray of the spine. One line extends from the top of the most tilted upper vertebra and the other line extends from the bottom of the most tilted lower vertebra. The angle formed by these lines is the Cobb angle. (The convex side is where the spine curves outwards. The concave side is where the spine curves inwards.) If doctors think scoliosis may worsen, they may examine the child several times a year. Special devices may be used to measure the curve of the spine more precisely. 