Moiré topography for the diagnosis and documentation of scoliosis.

Moiré topography is a biosteriometric method, which produces a three-dimensional image of the shape of the trunk. In structural scoliosis an asymmetry of the two halves of the back is seen. This method has been studied and the range of the asymmetry of the moire pattern has been compared with clinical observations and X-ray findings in 216 cases with structural scoliosis. A statistically significant correlation between these three ways of describing a structural scoliosis was found. Because of the sensitivity of the moire method an asymmetry of at least one fringe interval could be regarded as a positive result. All the observed asymmetries less than one fringe interval had a lateral deviation of the spine of less than 10 degrees according to Cobb when X-rayed examined. The moire method seems to be very suitable for the screening of structural scoliosis, owing to its ability to detect and document even small deformities by photography and the simplicity of the technique which can be carried out even by staff without medical training.