Scoliosis X-rays and What They Tell Us
The spine is a three-dimensional structure and scoliosis is ultimately a three dimensional problem. Doctors refer to sections of the body as planes. If you recall your high school geometry, a plane is an infinitely thin and flat sheet that actually has no depth. .
Two Intersecting Planes
Each plane has a name and these terms are used when discussing spinal alignment and balance. The terms are:
- sagittal plane (the flat view you would see looking from the side)
- coronal plane (the flat view you would see looking from the front)
- transverse or axial plane (top, bottom views).
Multiple x-rays are used to assist in the visualization. The patient's scoliosis curvature is measured on a PA (posterior-anterior) x-ray representing the coronal plane (front). The sagittal plane is seen on the lateral (side) x-ray.
- Kyphosis (round back) is a sagittal plane problem
- Lordosis (swayback) is a sagittal plane problem
Coronal Plane: Anterior-Posterior (Front-Back) X-ray
Sagittal Plane: Lateral (Side) X-ray
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Scoliosis Surgery Goals
The Impact of the type of curve in Scoliosis Surgery
Vertebral Column Resection