Test-retest reliability of a photographic marker-based system for postural examination

BACKGROUND

The BHOHB system (Bhohb S.r.l., Italy) is a portable non-invasive photographic marker-based device for postural examination.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the test-retest reliability of the BHOHB system and compare its reliability with an optoelectronic system (SMART-DX 700, BTS, Italy).

METHODS

Thirty volunteers were instructed to stand upright with five markers on the spinous processes of C7, T6, T12, L3 and S1 vertebrae to define the dorsal kyphosis and lumbar lordosis (sagittal plane) angles. Three markers were placed on the great trochanter, apex of iliac crest and lateral condyle of the femur to detect pelvic tilt. Finally, to define angles between the acromion and the spinous processes (frontal plane), two markers were placed on the right and left acromion. Postural angles were recoded simultaneously with BHOHB and optoelectronic systems during two consecutive recording sessions.

RESULTS

The BHOHB system revealed excellent reliability for all the angles (ICCs: 0.92-0.99, SEM: 0.78∘-3.33∘) as well as a shorter processing time compared to the optoelectronic system. Excellent reliability was also found for all the angles detected through the optoelectronic system (ICCs: 0.91-0.99, SEM: 0.84∘-2.80∘).

CONCLUSION

The BHOHB system resulted as a reliable non-invasive and user-friendly device to monitor spinal posture, especially in subjects requiring repeat examinations.

Early onset scoliosis: what the primary care provider needs to know and implications for practice

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to discuss the role of the primary care provider in the detection of and referral for early onset scoliosis. An overview of scoliosis including etiology, natural history, guidelines for physical examination, current practice for scoliosis screening, and available treatments will be discussed.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, OVID Medline, Psychinfo. Search terms: juvenile scoliosis, childhood onset scoliosis, early onset scoliosis, idiopathic scoliosis, and infantile scoliosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Scoliosis is classified depending on the magnitude, location, direction, and cause of the curve, and can lead to a variety of health effects if not treated. The greater the scoliosis curve and the earlier it presents, the more likely it may affect thoracic growth, inhibit cardiopulmonary function, and cause psychosocial distress.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Routine scoliosis screening should be incorporated into each healthcare maintenance visit beginning in infancy and continue into adolescence until the child reaches skeletal maturity. Curves with a scoliometer reading greater than 5° should be referred, and conservative treatment should be considered for curves that surpass 20°. If scoliosis is detected early, it may be possible to stabilize the curve from progressing and even prevent thoracic deformity and secondary complications from occurring.