How to Determine the Cobb Angle of the idiopathic Scoliosis Spine
February 6, 2012 by James Tan
Filed under Health & Fitness
Idiopathic scoliosis is the deformation of the spine. To measure the progress and severity of the curvature, the standard method used is the ‘Cobb Angle’. This method was devised in the 1940s and is endorsed by the Scoliosis Research Society.
The forward bending test is usually use to screen for scoliosis before puberty. An X-ray will be performed on the patient if this test is positive and the Cobb angle measured.
1. Locate the most tilted vertebra at the top of the curve and draw a parallel line to the superior vertebral end plate.
2. Find from the bottom of the spinal curve, the most tilted vertebra. Then draw a line to the inferior vertebral end plate.
3. Erect intersecting perpendicular lines from the two parallel lines.
4. The angle formed between the two parallel lines is Cobb angle.
The Cobb angle is a measure of the curvature of the spine in degress which helps the doctor to determine what type of treatment is necessary. A Cobb angle of 10 degrees is regarded as a minimum angulation to define Scoliosis.
Between 10 to 15 degrees, a patient suffering from idiopathic scoliosis usually does not require any specific treatment. But the patient should be monitored on a regular basis until the patient reaches bone-maturity, that is after puberty.
For medium Cobb Angles between 20 and 40 degrees, you will likely need to wear a back brace. Depending on your lifestyle and discipline, there are several types of back braces that require you to wear it 18 to 20 hours or only during the night time. Check with your doctors for the most appropriate type.
If the Cobb angle is 40 or 50 degrees or more, surgery may be required to correct the curve. The orthopaedic surgeon will perform a procedure known as spinal fusion to link or “fuse” the vertebrae together so that the spine can no longer continue to curve. Metal rods, screws, hooks and wires will be used to correct the curve and hold everything in line until the bones heal. Teens who have had surgery to correct their scoliosis will usually return to school about a month after surgery, and should be able to gradually return to all normal activities after 6 to 12 months post surgery.
Core Concepts is the largest physiotherapy group practice in Singapore and we specialise in treating musculoskeletal conditions such as idiopathic scoliosis
