K.F. Zabjek, M.A. Leroux, C. Coillard, X. Martinez, J. Griffet, G. Simard, C.H. Rivard


February 2001, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp 107 - 113 Original Article Read Full Article 10.1007/s005860000244

First Online: 16 February 2001

The objective of this study was to identify acute spinal and three-dimensional postural adaptations induced by a shoe lift in a population of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) patients. Forty-six IS patients (mean age: 12±2 years) were evaluated radiologically and with a stereovideographic system for pelvic obliquity. Based on the initial postural and radiological evaluation, a pertinent shoe lift height was chosen for each with the result that 12 patients were tested with 5-mm (S5) lifts, 20 patients were tested with 10-mm (S10) lifts, and 14 patients with 15-mm (S15) lifts. The posture for all 46 patients was then re-evaluated and a spinal radiograph obtained for 14 patients. The implementation of a shoe lift independent of the type of curve and amplitude significantly decreased the Cobb angle. As expected there was a change in the vertical height of the left tibial plateau and greater trochanter that induced a change in pelvic tilt. There was also a significant increase in the vertical height of S1 and T1. There was a significant change in the left and right iliac bone version, as well as a decrease in the difference in version between these two bones. The implementation of the shoe lifts also changed the lateral shift of the pelvis. A relative change between the shoulders and pelvis for tilt and anteroposterior shift was also found to be significant. In conclusion, using a shoe lift resulted in acute postural adaptations which specifically affected the spine and the three-dimensional position and orientation of the pelvis and shoulder girdle.


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