Publication date: Jun 2023
What is already known about this subject:
- Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan is commonly used to measure bone mineral density but is an emerging screening method for identifying adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). To identify and measure scoliosis with DEXA scans, a modified Ferguson method was developed by a UK cohort study. The accuracy of the modified Ferguson angle as determined on DEXA has not been established. In a sample from the Raine Study, the aims of this study were: (i) to report the accuracy of scoliosis curve measurement on DEXA scans, (ii) to identify likely AIS, and (iii) explore the agreement between reported AIS diagnosis with DEXA-identified AIS.
What this study adds
- Scoliosis curve angles were measured using the modified Ferguson method on DEXA scans (n=1238) of Gen2 at age 20 years. For curve angle accuracy, two examiners measured angles (6-40°) on 41 scans. AIS was determined with quantitative and qualitative criteria (modified Ferguson angles ≥10° and expert review of spinal curves).
- The accuracy for scoliosis curve angle measurement was good-excellent. Diagnosis of AIS was reported despite little or no scoliosis curve (<3.8°) for 20 participants (1.6%), and diagnosis of AIS was not reported despite scoliosis curve ≥10° for 11 participants (0.9%).
- There is potential for identifying adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using DEXA images.