Cross-validation of ultrasound imaging in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Steven de Reuver, Rob C. Brink, Timothy T. Y. Lee, Yong-Ping Zheng, Frederik J. A. Beek, René M. Castelein

March 2021, Volume 30, Issue 3, pp 628 - 633 Original Article Read Full Article

First Online: 06 November 2020

Purpose

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients are exposed to 9–10 times more radiation and a fivefold increased lifetime cancer risk. Radiation-free imaging alternatives are needed. Ultrasound imaging of spinal curvature was shown to be accurate, however, systematically underestimating the Cobb angle. The purpose of this study is to create and cross-validate an equation that calculates the expected Cobb angle using ultrasound spinal measurements of AIS patients.

Methods

Seventy AIS patients with upright radiography and spinal ultrasound were split randomly in a 4:1 ratio to the equation creation (n = 54) or validation (n = 16) group. Ultrasound angles based on the spinous processes shadows were measured automatically by the ultrasound system (Scolioscan, Telefield, Hong Kong). For thoracic and lumbar curves separately, the equation: expected Cobb angle = regression coefficient × ultrasound angle, was created and subsequently cross-validated in the validation group.

Results

Linear regression analysis between ultrasound angles and radiographic Cobb angles (thoracic: R2 = 0.968, lumbar: R2 = 0.923, p

Conclusion

The equations from ultrasound measurements to Cobb angles were valid and accurate. This supports the implementation of ultrasound imaging, possibly leading to less frequent radiography and reducing ionizing radiation in AIS patients.

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