Diagnosis of adult scoliosis

Spine teleradiography (TeleRX) in orthostasis with standard or low-dose-radiation (EOS) technique allows to evaluate scoliosis in anteroposterior and laterolateral projection. The acquisition of these two planes plays a major role, as it allows to study the sagittal and coronal balance, measure in quantitative terms the degrees of the principal curves and design the pre-operative planning. The correct reconstruction of the sagittal profile of the column allows to minimize the risk of junctional pathologies that require extension of the arthrodesis in both proximal and distal sense.

Computed tomography (CT) is a second level examination, useful to highlight osteo-cartilaginous structures. Allows three-dimensional evidence of root compressions, spinal canal stenosis and associated bone lesions.

Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR) is used for the study of the disc-radicular complex, paravertebral soft tissues, and in preoperative planning of vascular and splanchnic structures in cases of circumferential arthrodesis.