BALANCE-LIKE POSITIONING DEVICE FOR TAKIN G STANDARDIZED X-RAYS OF THE SPINE WHEN THE PATIENT IS STANDING

Introduction: Malposture can simulate deformities of the spine in nons tandardized X-rays of the spine. Materials and Methods: A balance-like positioning device was developed in order to avoid ''pseudodeformitie s'' because of the patient's malposture while an X-ray of the spine wa s being taken. A comparative pilot study (100 patients) was performed and about 3,000 X-rays of the spine were taken routinely using the pos itioning device. Results: The clinical examination and radiological fi ndings did not agree, a second X-ray was taken using the balancelike p ositioning device. One-third of those patients had much better finding s with the balance, one-third slightly better results, and one-third r evealed no significant improvement of the malposture in the X-ray film compared with the initial X-ray without the balance device. Discussio n: Comparable X-rays of the spine can only be taken if posture during the procedure is defined and reproducible. ''Casual'' posture and ''st andardized'' posture differed in more than two-thirds of our comparati ve pilot study (n = 100). The findings with a balance device were neve r inferior compared to the X-rays taken without it. Conclusion: A simp le balancelike positioning device can help to standardize X-rays of th e spine when the patient is standing, providing better reproducibility , more accurate prognostic aspects and fewer ionizing hazards.