Scoliosis X-Rays Differ From The Typical Spine X-Ray

Avoid improper scoliosis x-rays by learning some helpful tips. We provide in-depth information you need to ensure the x-ray you take is the one need for assessing a scoliotic spine. Contact CSC today to learn how scoliosis x-rays differ & how important they are for an accurate assessment & corrective care! 

What Are Differences Between A Traditional & Scoliosis X-ray?

Chiropractor reviewing scoliosis x-ray

Proper Scoliosis X-ray is critical for accurate assessment of a scoliotic spine. However, the scoliosis X-ray differs from the traditional spine x-rays, often used in assessments of neck or back pain. Many clinics and some hospitals cannot provide you with the best imaging if you or your child have scoliosis. Therefore, before opting for a scoliosis X-ray, consult our clinical teams.

Before discussing scoliosis X-rays, it may help provide you with some background information on scoliosis so that you may understand the need for scoliosis-specific X-ray films. Scoliosis is an abnormal 3-dimensional disorder of the spine present in 3-5% of the population.

There are two distinct types: the “C”-shaped and “S”-shaped curvatures. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis. Adolescent scoliosis is a syndrome that may involve lateral bending of the spine, axial rotation of the vertebrae, an abnormal sagittal curvature of the spine, muscle imbalances, and an asymmetrical shape of the back and body. The lateral bending (side bending) and the rotational malposition are the primary reasons scoliosis is a “three-dimensional disorder.”

At CSC, we provide focused scoliosis treatments by combining chiropractic, physiotherapy, and breakthrough spine technology. Visit us today to learn more about our scoliosis treatment programs

What Are The Best Means Of Assessing A Scoliotic Spine?

A scoliosis X-ray is the best means of measuring the severity of a scoliotic spine. Generally, they are a safe and comfortable test that utilizes radiation to produce images of the spine. Youngsters with scoliosis have a spine that bends from side to side, similar to an “S” or a “C” shaped curve. Albeit little bends, for the most part, don’t cause issues, greater bends can be noticeable and cause uneasiness. A bent spine can make the body tilt to one side. One of the shoulders might be higher than the other, or the ribbons may appear uneven.

On the off chance that a bend is dangerous, it can even influence breathing and heart capacity and harm the spine’s joints. To avoid complications, proper scoliosis X-rays can highlight these hidden signs.

How Often Should You Assess Your child For Scoliosis?

Kids should have routine evaluations for scoliosis. It should happen in schools, during regular physical assessments at the pediatrician, and even at home. Quick and periodic checks can alert you if your child’s spine is not growing as expected. Look for uneven shoulder heights, unnatural head-tilt, a bump on the side of the spine, and an unlevel pelvis height. Radiographic evaluation is the best means of further assessing an uneven shoulder height, hip height, or hump on one side of the spine.

Our chiropractic doctor may arrange for scoliosis-specific X-rays to quantify the spine’s arch if scoliosis is suspected. The severity of the bend, estimated in degrees on the X-ray, will enable us to choose whether it should be dealt with and, assuming this is the case. Under normal circumstances, scoliosis is diagnosed anytime the bend is more significant than 10-degrees.

statistics on scoliosisCan A Three-Dimensional Disorder Be Evaluated Through A “Two-Dimensional” X-ray?

To accurately assess the scoliotic spine, one must take care to ensure proper imaging methods. Additionally, X-rays are a “two-dimensional” depiction of the “three-dimensional disorder: scoliosis. Therefore, the person’s skills and knowledge evaluating your scoliosis X-rays are just as significant as proper scoliosis -X-rays.

In other words, to get a correct and accurate assessment of a scoliotic spine, you will need to have scoliosis-specific x-rays and a knowledgeable clinician keenly familiar with scoliosis evaluations.

These are the two most critical requirements for an accurate diagnosis. And as such, we encourage all our patients and website visitors to note these two key issues before they embark on obtaining information about their scoliosis. We hope the information presented here will help you identify the best scoliosis treatment option in Malaysia.

As mentioned, scoliosis X-rays of the spine curvature are a two-dimensional image. The examiner needs expert knowledge to assess the scoliotic curvature, rotation of the vertebrae, pelvic imbalances, and leg length discrepancy. Since 2007, our clinical teams of chiropractors and physiotherapists combined have been treating scoliosis in Malaysia. Their skills, knowledge, and collective experiences will be beneficial towards a non-surgical therapy option. Therefore, before taking a scoliosis X-ray, visit us, and let our clinical teams evaluate your spine before getting an X-ray. Best of all, we know which clinics and hospitals have the expert teams needed to produce the best scoliosis X-rays of your spine.

Why You Need Proper X-rays For A Scoliotic Spine?

X-rays involve radiation and radiation, as we all know bad. What is worse is the retaking of scoliosis X-rays. So, make sure an expert clinical team evaluates you, and the X-rays you get are scoliosis-specific. Otherwise, you risk getting exposed to unnecessary radiation time and again. Therefore the need for proper scoliosis X-rays is essential. With the correct scoliosis X-rays, our clinical teams can use specific assessment methods to assess the severity of side-bending and rotational issues in the affected spinal segments. Cobb’s method of scoliosis assessment is one such means of evaluation.

How Is Cobb’s Method of X-ray Assessment Performed For The Scoliotic Spine?

illustration showing cob angle measure method

Cobb’s angle is one of the most commonly used calculations to measure the spine’s curvature on scoliosis X-rays. The most displaced and rotated vertebral segment in a curve is the apex of the curve. The analysis starts by identifying the scoliotic segments.

Perpendicular lines are drawn at the bottom of the vertebrae once the upper and lowermost segments or vertebrae. These lines are further added to measure the actual degree of the side-bending curve. To summarize, the Coobs angle is the most used and most reproducible scoliotic means of assessing scoliosis.

The Risser Sign In Assessing Scoliosis

The other relevant information that needs observation is the Risser sign. The Risser sign is the best radiographic indicator for skeletal maturity. Skeletal maturity is an important indicator of proper management and treatment of a scoliotic spine. The Risser sign (method of evaluation) enables your clinical team to assess the possibility of progression.

illustration showing risser scoliosis sign

Risser sign enables clinicians to determine skeletal maturity based on the secondary growth centers located along the iliac crest’s top part. Growth plates start to appear and complete during puberty, indicating the level of skeletal maturity. Assessment of the “age” of the bone is best through the Risser classification. Risser 1 will appear on the X-ray in the early puberty stage, while Risser 5 indicates full maturation of the bone. We hope to have provided you with the information you needed. Should you have any questions about scoliosis or scoliosis X-rays, please call one of our centers. We will be glad to offer you our advice and expertise.

Preparation & Procedures For Radiographic Assessment Of A Scoliotic Spine

A scoliosis X-ray doesn’t require any unusual arrangement. Your kid might be approached to expel some garments and gems and change into an emergency clinic outfit since zippers, fastens, or gems may meddle with the picture.

X-rays will expose the patient to radiation. However, the newer x-ray machines are somewhat efficient, and radiation exposure is not as harmful as a decade ago. Be that as it may, if the X-ray is essential, safety measures need to be taken to avoid overexposure to radiation. So, before you go to the hospital for the required X-rays, make sure to avoid wearing jewelry. Also, inform your child that they will have to wear a robe. If they are shy, you may ask the radiographer to provide your child with two gowns, wearing each in reverse, covering the front and back portions of the body.

Even though the process takes around 15 minutes, real exposure to radiation is generally not more than one or two seconds. The X-ray room will contain a table and an X-ray tube. The tube is attached to a railing with a sidebar attached to the ceiling or sidewall. Under normal circumstances, parents are not allowed in the X-ray room. Parents or guardians are encouraged to be ready to console their children when needed. However, if you take the time to explain the procedure mentioned here, your child will be at ease when brought to the X-ray room.

Procedures When Parents Are Allowed In The X-ray Room

On the off chance that you remain in the room during the X-ray, they’ll be approaching you to wear a lead overskirt to protect you from scatter radiation. Scoliosis X-rays are always in a standing position. The radiographer (the person taking the X-ray) will help position your child. He or she will provide instruction before they proceed.

In most instances, two x-rays views are taken, one from the front and the second from the side. Both X-rays need to show the entire spine in one film. Sectional X-rays should be useless for scoliotic patients. Sectional X-rays are good for assessing neck pain or back pain but poor when it comes to scoliosis.

When all is said and done, X-rays are safe. Albeit any radiation exposure represents some hazard to the body, the sum utilized in a scoliosis X-ray is little and not thought too hazardous. For best results, contact us before you opt for X-rays. We always recommend a local hospital for X-rays. Hospitals are generally better suited for scoliosis X-rays. You can enable your youngster to get ready for a scoliosis X-ray by explaining the test in basic terms before going to the hospital.

We hope you have understood how scoliosis x-rays differ from the typical spine x-ray by now. We ask you to contact our center before you go scoliosis x-ray. Getting the proper scoliosis x-ray is the first step towards corrections

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