Summary
The moiré method is tested in school screening of scoliosis. Moiré topography registers a three-dimensional description of the shape of the back. In the straight spine, the moire shadow pattern is equal on both halves of the back. In structural scoliosis, the moiré pattern differs more with the increasing deformity of the spine. This asymmetry is mainly caused by the rotational component of the scoliosis. These shadow patterns consist of contour-lines, which can be compared with those on a relief map. By photographing the moiré shadow lines, the status of the back is documented.
In 212 cases, the moiré findings are compared with radiograph observations. A statistically significant correlation is found between the moiré asymmetry (rotational component) and the radiograph findings (lateral deviation according to Cobb).
The moiré method seems to fulfil the criteria for a screening method—diagnosis of even minor curves, small risk for false negative findings, simple to handle and can document the back in many children in a short time.
Zusammenfassung
Die Bedeutung der früheren Entdeckung der progredierten Skoliosen ist bekannt. Das Interesse für verschiedene Methoden der frühzeitigen Diagnose ist deshalb in der Literatur diskutiert worden. Während der letzten Jahre wurde die Moiré-Topographie wie eine Screening-Methode benutzt. In Schweden hat man ein Screening-Programm mit klinischen Untersuchungen und Moiré-Topographie studiert. Ein versetzbarer Apparat ist hier aufgebaut. Dieser ist in einigen schwedischen Schulen geprüft worden, und eine vergleichende Untersuchung zwischen den Ergebnissen der Moiré-Topographie und der röntgenologischen Funde ist hier ausgearbeitet.
Unter diesen Verhältnissen fand man mit dem Moiré-Apparat eine statistisch signifikante Korrelation. Das bedeutet, daß Moiré-Topographie eine passende Methode für frühe Entdeckung und Dokumentation der Skoliosen ist.
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Financial support was obtained from the Swedish Medical Research Council, Project no. B76-17X-04780-01
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Willner, S. Moiré topography—A method for school screening of scoliosis. Arch. Orth. Traum. Surg. 95, 181–185 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00460117
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00460117