Correlation among Non-radiological Measurements for Thoracic Kyphosis

Abstract

Thoracic hyperkyphosis is greater than 40 degrees of a thoracic cobb angle in sagittal plane. The curvature of the thoracic vertebrae generally increases with age, and in recent years, the hyperkyphosis is frequently observed between the 20s and 50s while using digital devices such as computers and smartphones. Thoracic hyperkyphosis reduces balance and increases the risk of falls. In addition, musculoskeletal problems such as neck pain, shoulder pain, and back pain are also associated with thoracic hyperkyphosis. It is important for physical therapist to measure thoracic kyphosis because thoracic hyperkyphosis have negative health consequences. The Cobb angle calculated by sagittal plane spinal radiograph is considered the gold standard in thoracic kyphosis measurements. However, the limitations of radiographic measurements are cost, portability limitations, time consuming, and exposure to ionizing radiation. For this reason, non-radiological methods are preferred in clinical settings, and Spinal Mouse, Flexicurve and Arcometer has previously demonstrated excellent level of validity and intra-inter-rater reliability in previous studies. These devices have the advantage of being portable without being exposed to ionizing radiation. Non-radiological methods are skin-surface devices. The Spinal Mouse measures the thoracic curve continuously throughout the thoracic spine, and the Flexicurve and Arcometer calculates the thoracic curve by placing the tool Correlation among Non-radiological Measurements for Thoracic Kyphosis