Influence of asymmetric mobilisation of the trunk on the Cobb angle and rotation in idiopathic scoliosisin children and adolescents

Background. The aim of the study was the radiological evaluation of the treatment of the idiopathic scoliosis utilising asymmetric trunk mobilisation in the strictly symmetric initial position. Material and methods. Presented study was based upon 136 cases (13 boys aged from 6 to 16 years and 123 girls aged from 6 to 18 years) treated due to the idiopathic scoliosis (from November 1999 to February 2001). Among 48 children suffering from double-major scoliosis 6 cases were infant scoliosis, 20 juvenile and 22 adolescent. Among 88 single scoliosis 6 were infant, 33 juvenile and 49 adolescent. Radiological examination was conducted always in the repeatable technical conditions. Radiograms were evaluated by the same physician. Radiological analysis of the scoliosis included value of the Cobb angle, angle of axial rotation. Results. In double-major scoliosis observed during one year period, in the thoracic segment Cobb angle decreased in 31,3%, increased in 39,5% and in 29,2% was unchanged. Axial rotation angle in 16,7% of cases decreased, in 35,4% increased and remained the same in 47,9%. In the lumbar segment Cobb angle decreased in 35,4%, increased in 39,6%, remained in 25%. Angle of axial rotation decreased in 23% of cases, increased in 29% and persisted in 48%. In single scoliosis Cobb angle decreased in 38,6%, increased in 35,3% and in 26,1% was unchanged. Axial rotation angle in 21,6% of cases decreased, in 29,5% increased and remained the same in 48,9%. Conclusion. Asymmetric mobilisation of the trunk in strictly symmetric initial positions is a method of choice in the conservative treatment of the idiopathic scoliosis.