Scoliosis reporting – An Audit
Descriptor
A standard method of reporting radiographs for scoliosis is recommended.
Background
Radiography is the modality of choice for confirming the clinical diagnosis of scoliosis as well as monitoring progression and response to treatment. Hence a clear and accurate, but most importantly a standard method of reporting radiographs for scoliosis is strongly recommended. This aids in the clinical decision making and allows rapid comparisons with sequential studies.
The Cycle
The standard:
All radiographic scoliosis imaging should be reported according to the scoliosis reporting template with all the individual components described - Locally agreed standard with our orthopaedic colleagues:
1. Indicate number of curves
2. Identify each apical vertebra and whether right or left side curved
3. Quantify the Cobb angle for each curve
4. Comment on rotation
5. Comment on shoulder asymmetry
6. Assess skeletal maturity (Risser staging)
7. Comment on presence of vertebral abnormality
8. Save key image with Cobb angle(s)
Target:
100% for each of listed components
Assess local practice
Indicators:
Percentage of reports in which each of the 8 components has been addressed.
Data items to be collected:
Scoliosis radiograph report details.
Suggested number:
30
Suggestions for change if target not met
1. Feedback to individual radiologists
2. Encourage the reporting radiologists to refer to the scoliosis reporting template. A copy of the template could be displayed in the reporting room
3. Development of a macro for use when reporting to act as a prompt for assessing each of the individual elements
References
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Radiographic Approaches to Idiopathic Scoliosis in Young People https://docplayer.net/22754137-Radiographic-approaches-to-idiopathic-scoliosis-in-young-people.html
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Idiopathic Scoliosis Imaging http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/413157-overview
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JR Panchmatia, A Issac, T Muthukumar, AJ Gibson, J Lehovsky. The 10 key steps for radiographic analysis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Clinical Radiology . Volume 70, Issue 3, Pages 235-242. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.crad.2014.11.013
Submitted by
BA Sethi. Updated by Dr Marzoug
Co-authors
K A Duncan