Surface Topography and the Several Components of Scoliotic Deformity

Using previously established values for the smallest detectable difference in topographic parameters, the effectiveness of the Quantec system for monitoring progress in scoliosis was investigated. It was found that, while a significant change in Cobb angle was always accompanied by a meaningful change in at least one topographic parameter, the pattern of shape change was highly individual. It is concluded that deformity in scoliosis is not determined exclusively by the spinal curve.