Measurement of spinal anteflexion in schoolchildren by ultrasound topometry.

Aim: The anteflexion of the spine in normal schoolchildren was examined by 3D real-time ultrasound topometry to see if differences in the form of rest rictions of anteflexion could be detected. Methods: 102 schoolchildren at t he age of 7 to 9 years volunteered to the study. We measured the spinal ant eflexion by recording the row of the spines (C7-L5) in a maximally flexed p osition with a topometric digitiser. By computer-aided data analysis the cu rvature of the spinal line was reproduced by lined up radii. Results: In th e sagittal plane the spinal line in anteflexed position showed a single cur vature in 8 cases. In 94 cases the spinal line was subdivided into three cu rvatures (X-1, X-2, X-3) with less mobility of the region from the middle t o the lower thoracic segments. For these less mobile segments we calculated a mean relative anteflexion (X-2/[(X-1 + X-3)/2]) of 0.36 (+/- 0,18). In s even children (6.8 %) with clinically indirect signs of scoliosis the antef lexion was reduced and in 4 cases out of the standard deviation. For the re lative anteflexion the Pearson's correlation coefficient of the measurement 1 and the direct control-measurement was 0.86 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: By ultrasound topometric measurement of the spinal anteflexion in schoolchildr en we are able to identify cases with less ability of anteflexion. Because a restriction of anteflexion is discussed in the pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis, a follow up of these children seems to be usefully.