scholarly journals Validity and Reproducibility of the Measurements Obtained Using the Flexicurve Instrument to Evaluate the Angles of Thoracic and Lumbar Curvatures of the Spine in the Sagittal Plane

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana Scheeren de Oliveira ◽  
Cláudia Tarragô Candotti ◽  
Marcelo La Torre ◽  
Patricia Paula Tonin Pelinson ◽  
Tássia Silveira Furlanetto ◽  
...  

Objective. to verify the validity and reproducibility of using the flexicurve to measure the angles of the thoracic and lumbar curvatures.Method. 47 subjects were evaluated by: (1) palpation and marking of the spinous processes using lead markers, (2) using X-rays in the sagittal plane to measure the Cobb angles, (3) molding the flexicurve to the spine, and (4) drawing the contour of the flexicurve onto graph paper. The angle of curvature was determined with the flexicurve based on a 3rd order polynomial.Results. No differences were found between the Cobb angles and the angles obtained using the flexicurve in thoracic and lumbar curvatures (). Correlations were strong and significant for the thoracic (, ) and lumbar (, ) curvatures. Excellent and significant correlations were found for both the intraevaluator and interevaluator measurements.Conclusion. The results show that there is no significant difference between the values obtained using the flexicurve and those obtained using the X-ray procedure and that there is a strong correlation between the two methods. This, together with the excellent level of inter- and intraevaluator reproducibility justifies its recommendation for use in clinical practice.

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 63
Author(s):  
Payam Farzad ◽  
Ted Lundgren ◽  
Adel Al-Asfour ◽  
Lars Andersson ◽  
Christer Dahlin

This study was undertaken to investigate the integration of titanium micro-implants installed in conjunction with previously dentin-grafted areas and to study the morphological appearance, mineral content, and healing pattern of xenogenic EDTA-conditioned dentin blocks and granules grafted to cavities in the tibial bone of rabbits. Demineralized and non-demineralized dentin blocks and granules from human premolars were implanted into cavities prepared on the lateral aspects of the tibias of rabbits. After a healing period of six months, micro-implants were installed at each surgical site. Histological examinations were carried out after 24 weeks. Characterization of the EDTA-conditioned dentin blocks was performed by means of light microscopy, dental X-rays, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). No implants were found to be integrated in direct contact with the dentin particles or blocks. On the EDTA-conditioned dentin surface, the organic marker elements C and N dominated, as revealed by EDX. The hydroxyapatite constituents Ca and P were almost absent on the dentin surface. No statistically significant difference was observed between the EDTA-conditioned and non-demineralized dentin, as revealed by BIC and BA. The bone-inductive capacity of the dentin material seemed limited, although demineralization by means of EDTA indicated higher BIC and BA values in conjunction with the installed implants in the area. A 12 h EDTA treatment did not fully decalcify the grafts, as revealed by X-ray analysis.


2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrícia Freitas ◽  
Renato Yassutaka Faria Yaedú ◽  
Izabel Regina Fischer Rubira-Bullen ◽  
Maurício Escarpinati ◽  
Marcelo Costa Vieira ◽  
...  

The objective of the present study was to determine the reproducibility of the pixel values obtained with the Digora system (Soredex, Finland). Exposures were standardized, with variation in exposure and scanning time of two photostimulable phosphor plates containing a stepwedge image. The smallest variation in pixel values ranged from 50 to 75%, with the widest variations being observed in less dense steps. A significant difference in pixel values was observed in terms of X-ray exposure and scanning times and between the two plates themselves (ANOVA, p < 0.01). Using the present methodology, the reproducibility of pixel values was not satisfactory for the tested white photostimulable plates. This wide variation in digitalization might be influenced by the amount of X-rays that sensitized the plates. It may be important to establish the reproducibility of the pixel values in quantitative studies using digital image.


Author(s):  
Hassan Assiri

Background: Dental X-ray is a fundamental part of dentistry. It contributes to the establishment of a definitive diagnosis and the proposed treatment plan. Several modalities are used, ranging from conventional to cone-beam computed tomography with varieties of doses absorbed by the living tissue. Methods: Self-structured questionnaire was established and distributed among 119 dental practitioners working in private and government hospitals through Google® forms. Final-year graduate students of King Khalid University in Abha, Aseer region, Saudi Arabia, were involved as well. Results: A total of 119 participants were included in this prospective survey with a mean ±S.D.ageof 33.30 ± 3.6. There is a significant difference (P<0.05) among the participants in their responses to the most sensitive organ to X-ray, whether the handheld portable X-ray unit was safer than the traditional one, and their knowledge about handheld portable X-ray units. Additionally, there is a significant difference in the responses to whether they used a monitoring device, the distance kept while taking X-rays, and whether they have the patients wear a thyroid collar. Conclusions: The overall extent of awareness of the participants of the dental X-ray hazards, protection measures being followed, and the modes of updating knowledge were found to be satisfactory. The study results will help practitioners to improve their knowledge and to consider protective measures strictly.


2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Paiva Ribeiro ◽  
Bárbara Vendramini Marchetti ◽  
Eduardo Bojunga de Oliveira ◽  
Claúdia Tarragô Candotti

Abstract Objectives: to assess the concurrent validity of kyphosis index measured in the flexicurve from the correlation of X-rays exams, identifying its accuracy and to assess the thoracic spine in children and young people. Methods: 31 young people at an average age of 11.1±3.4 years were evaluated by digital x-rays: (1) Cobb angle (ÂngCobb), (2) Kyphosis index (KIX), and (3) KIX angle (ÂngKIX). These were measured from the flexicurve design on the millimetric graph paper: (1) Kyphosis index (KIFint), obtained from C7 the intersection of kyphosis-lordosis, (2) Kyphosis index (KIFT12), obtained between C7 and T12, and (3) Kyphosis angle (ÂngKIFint and ÂngKIFT12). Statistical analysis: Correlation to Pearson Moment-Product and t test (α<0.05). Results: the angular values (ÂngKIFint, ÂngKIFT12, ÂngKIX) were underestimated in relation to Cobb angle (p<0.05), correlating only to KIX angle and Cobb angle [r=0.698, p<0.001]. The linear values (KIFint, KIFT12, KIX) were similar ( p>0.05) among themselves, correlating only to KIX and Cobb angle [r=0.698, p<0.001] and KIX angle and KIX [r=1; p<0.001]. Conclusions: the KIX and KIX angle presented as an accurate method and valid to be used in the thoracic kyphosis assessment, although KIFint, KIFT12, KIFint angle and KIFT12 angle showed no correlation to the gold standard and not being indicated to assess the thoracic kyphosis in children and young people.


2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (12) ◽  
pp. 1712-1718
Author(s):  
Alessandra Negrini ◽  
Massimiliano Vanossi ◽  
Sabrina Donzelli ◽  
Fabio Zaina ◽  
Michele Romano ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Plumb line distances (PDs) are widely used in conservative clinical practice to evaluate the sagittal shape of the spine. Objective The objective was to assess the normative values of PDs in a large, healthy population in an age range representative of the adolescent population with spinal deformities, and to correlate it with x-ray measurements. Design This was a cross-sectional study. Methods Participants were 584 healthy individuals (341 females) with x-rays showing no spine deformities. The whole sample (OVERALL) was divided into 5 groups: 6 to 9 years old (n = 106); &gt;10 years, Risser 0 with triradiate cartilage open (n = 129) or closed (n = 104); Risser 1 to 2 (n = 126); and Risser 3 to 5 (n = 119). PDs were taken by maintaining a tangent to the thoracic kyphosis apex at C7, T12, L3, and S2. Sagittal index (C7 + L3), and sagittal and coronal balances (C7 related to S2) were calculated. Results In OVERALL, PDs at C7, T12, L3, and S2 were 39.9 ± 16.7, 21.4 ± 15.3, 39.9 ± 15, 20.6 ± 17.0 mm, respectively. Sagittal index was 79.8 ± 26.8, sagittal balance was 19.3 ± 17 mm anterior to S2 plumb line; 13.5% had a coronal imbalance of 11.4 ± 5.4 mm to the right and 24.7% of 13.2 ± 6.0 mm to the left. C7 and L3 PDs, sagittal index, and sagittal balance were significantly lower in ages 6 to 9 compared to older patients in Risser 1 to 2 group. C7 and S2 PDs and sagittal index were significantly larger in males. Sagittal index correlated with thoracic kyphosis Cobb degrees (r = 0.47). Limitations The participants were not randomly chosen from the general population; and they had an x-ray because of spine pathology suspicion. Conclusions This study shows normative data to be used in clinical practice. Sagittal spinopelvic alignment has gained more and more importance in the last decades because of its high correlation to Health-Related Quality of Life scores in adults. 1


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0003
Author(s):  
Yamada Takahiro ◽  
Norio Usami ◽  
Ikezawa Hiroko ◽  
Naoko Takatori ◽  
Eiichi Hiraishi ◽  
...  

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: X-ray measurement for hallux valgus has been conducted with various results in the evaluation. However, it was not quite clarified yet and it still remains questionable why a mild case shifts to a severe case during the course. We report about the difference between the severity and the foot shape. Methods: The study subjects were 206 feet of 138 patients. Mild case: 80 feet, mean age 53 y.o (A) Moderate case: 61 feet, 62 y.o (B) Severe case: 65 feet, 67 y.o (C) For the examination items, HVA, M1-2 angle, and M1-5 angle were measured with the x-ray frontal radiograph for loading position, and First, Second, Fifth intermetatarsal angle (M1Y/M2Y/M5Y) on sagittal plane were also measured. We also evaluated the foot arch ratio with Yokokura Method, then compared/examined those results after dividing the cases into the mild, moderate, and severe group with age bracket. Results: The age of Group C were older than Group A, B. M1-2 angle: In younger generation, three is significant difference between Group A and B. M1-5 angle: Significant in 60 s between A and B. In 70 s, significant: all group. Navicular height: all group is low arch with aging. Significant between A and C It is becoming low arch at Lisfranc level with aging in all group. There is significantly low height at M5 with aging in all group. On sagittal plane, bone axis of M1 and M2 is lowered at 40 s in Group A and B and 70 s in Group C. Conclusion: In hallux valgus, the foot shape was changed in coronal and sagittal plane. It means the collapse of bone structure at foot and ankle. It may possibly be shifting to a severe case with aging. However, we could not find any result definitely suggesting such condition.


2005 ◽  
Vol 490-491 ◽  
pp. 223-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Ganguly ◽  
Michael E. Fitzpatrick ◽  
Lyndon Edwards

The residual stress field in a VPPA welded AA2024 coupon sample was measured by neutron diffraction. A similar sample was measured using synchrotron X-rays to determine the inplane strain directions. The macrostrain obtained from both sources compares well in spite of the significant difference in gauge volume and diffraction geometry. The result confirms the repeatability of the weld process and also shows good correspondence between the two diffraction processes.


Author(s):  
Max Prost ◽  
Joachim Windolf ◽  
Markus Rafael Konieczny

Abstract Purpose There is no data that show if it is possible to determine if a curve is structural or non-structural or to assess flexibility of an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) by recumbent images like a CT scan (CTS) instead of bending radiographs (BR). We investigated if the results of BR may be compared to those of CTS. Methods We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data of patients with AIS in whom a selective spinal fusion was performed and in whom a CTS, BR, and full spine x-rays were made preoperatively. We measured the Cobb angles of the main and the minor curve in full spine x-ray, BR, and CTS. Results After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 39 patients were included. We found a strong correlation (r = 0.806, p < 0.01) between the Cobb angle of the main curve in BR and the Cobb angle of the main curve in the CTS and between the Cobb angle of the minor curve in BR and the Cobb angle of the minor curve in the CTS (r = 0.601, p < 0.01). All patients with a minor curve of less than 25 degrees in the BR had a Cobb angle of less than 35 degrees in the CTS. Conclusion Spinal curves showed a significant correlation between bending radiographs and recumbent images (CTS). In our group of patients, a Cobb angle of the minor curve of less than 35 degrees in the CTS indicated that this minor curve was non-structural.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (10) ◽  
pp. 903-910
Author(s):  
Ricky Septafianty ◽  
Anita Widyoningroem ◽  
M. Yamin S. S ◽  
Rosy Setiawati ◽  
Soedarsono

Introduction: Radiological imaging has a key role in multidrug-resistant (MDR) pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) screening and diagnosis. However, new cases of MDR pulmonary TB are often overlooked; therefore, its transmission might continue before its diagnosis. The most widely used and affordable radiological modality is a chest radiograph. This study aims to describe the characteristics of primary and secondary MDR pulmonary TB chest x-ray findings for differential diagnosis. Methods: This study was an analytic observational study with a retrospective design. Researchers evaluated medical record data of primary and secondary MDR pulmonary TB patients who underwent chest x-ray examinations. The patient's chest x-rays were then evaluated. Evaluated variables were lung, pleural, and mediastinal abnormalities and severity category. Results: The most common chest x-ray finding in primary MDR pulmonary TB was consolidation (96.2%), which was mostly unilateral (52.0%), accompanied by cavities (71.2%), most of which were multiple (83.8%) with a moderate category of severity. The most common chest x-ray finding in secondary MDR pulmonary TB was consolidation (100%), which was mostly bilateral (60.4%), accompanied by cavities (80.2%), most of which were multiple (90.1%) with severe category of severity. Pleural thickening (47.5%) was also found. Conclusion: There was a significant difference between primary and secondary MDR pulmonary TB in terms of mild severity category, and pleural thickening. Mild severity category is mostly found in primary MDR-TB and pleural thickening is mostly found in secondary TB.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (36) ◽  
pp. 128-139
Author(s):  
Ekhlas A ALANI ◽  
Mustafa S ALMUSAWI ◽  
Amar H MAHDI

An interesting feature of ionizing radiation, especially Gamma and X-rays as a DNA damaging factor is the range of lesions it induces. γ-H2AX foci are documented to represent DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) as a biomarker for radiation-induced damage. Study design 42 adult male mice Albino BALB/c, had been divided randomly into 6 groups of seven mice each. Group 1 received a standard saline solution untreated also, do not expose to radiation. Group 2 mice received vitamin C (VC) (200 mg/kg.day) intra-peritoneal (i.p.) injected for 8 days without radiation. Group 3 control was exposed to γ-radiation. Group 4 control was exposed to X-ray radiation. Group 5 mice had been administrated with vitamin C in the identical dose of group 2 for 8 days, then exposed to (4 Gy) of γ-ray. Group 6 was administrated with vitamin dose in the same above and the same period, then exposed to (4 Gy) of X-ray. All groups had been sacrificed by cervical dislocation at (1, 3, and 24 h). Post radiation testis mice tissues were collected. A significant difference (P 0.05) between the group of vitamin C and with a control group exposed to both (γ, X-rays) in foci forming, but there is no significant difference (P 0.05) between γ and X- rays for the control and vitamin C groups. The results demonstrate that vitamin C is a good radioprotective agent for testis mice tissues; the effect of (γ and X-rays) had almost the same results on the mice testicle tissues with the same dose.


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