Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

• Fatemeh Azadinia ¹
• Mojtaba Kamyab ²
• Hamid Behtash ³
• Mohammadsaleh Ganjavian ³
• Masoudramin Mirzazadehjavaheri ⁴

¹ PhD Student, Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

² Assisstant Professor, Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

³ Associat Professor, Department of Orthopedic, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

⁴ Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedic, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Radiography is a common, highly reliable and valid method of measuring spinal kyphosis. However, it may be considered unsuitable for regular use because of radiation exposure and particular cost. Other clinical methods may provide safe and rapid assessment of spinal curvature. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to verify the reliability and validity of the flexicurve to measure thoracic kyphosis. Materials and Methods: One hundred and five subjects with hyperkyphosis were enrolled in this study (aged 10-80 years). The Cobb angle was measured on a posterior-anterior x-ray by a spine specialist. Two other examiners, blinded to the results of previous measurement, evaluated thoracic kyphosis using the flexicurve. Results: Finding showed that the validity of flexicurve was in poor range while compared with established radiologic measurement. There was an acceptable reliability on the intra-rater evaluation with flexicurve measurement method in participants aged < 30 and > 50 years. However, it was poor on inter-rater reliability evaluation in subjects aged < 30 years but an acceptable option in those aged > 50 years. Conclusion: The flexicurve is barely valid for thoracic kyphosis measurement. So, despite it has been identified as a safe, non-invasive and cost-effective method, but because of its low reliability and validity could not be recommended for regular screening. Keywords: Kyphosis, Measurement, Reliability, Validity