Three‐dimensional ultrasonography could be a potential non‐ionizing tool to evaluate vertebral rotation of subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Background Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography is nonionizing and has been demonstrated to be a reliable tool for scoliosis assessment, including coronal sagittal curvatures. It shows great potential axial vertebral rotation (AVR) evaluation, yet its validity reliability need further demonstrated. Materials Methods Twenty patients with adolescent idiopathic (AIS) (coronal Cobb: 26.6 ± 9.1°) received 3D ultrasound scan twice, 10 were scanned by the same operator, other different operators. EOS Bi-planar x-rays conducted on another 29 day. Two experienced ultrasonographic researchers, experiences AVR measurement, evaluated of (55 curves; Cobb angle: 26.9 11.3°). The gold standard was determined from reconstruction radiographs. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), mean absolute difference (MAD), error measurements (SEM), Bland–Altman's bias reported evaluate intra-operator inter-operator/rater reliabilities ultrasonography. validated using inter-method that EOS. Results ICCs assessment all greater than 0.95. MAD, SEM, AVRs no more 2.2°, 2.0°, 0.5°, respectively. between both modalities strongly correlated (R2 = 0.901) not significantly (p 0.205). Bland–Altman plot also less 1°, proportional expected radiographic angles. Conclusion This study demonstrates valid in AIS patients. can screening following up subjects evaluating effectiveness nonsurgical treatments.