Scoliosis
Q. How is the degree of curvature measured?
A.
The angle of the spine on an X-ray — the Cobb angle. It is graded under 10 degrees, 10 to 20 degrees, and above that.
📝 Detailed Answer
On the X-ray, lines are drawn along the end vertebrae of the curve and the angle where they meet is measured. This is the Cobb angle.
- Under 10 degrees — curvature beginning from deformity at the pelvis
- 10 to 20 degrees — the spine above the pelvis forming a curve as it deforms
- Above that — thoracic deformity with overall balance worsening down to the lumbar spine and pelvis
- Severe cases — deformity visible to the eye. Organs within the rib cage can be compressed, affecting heart and lung function
The angle alone does not set the direction of treatment. At the same angle, where the curve began decides what we need to examine.
Expert Verified
Injun Eo
Director