Soviet Medical Encyclopedia

Scoliosometer

By M. Fridland · Surgery, Radiology & Physiotherapy

Also known as: Scoliometer, Spinal curvature measurement device

Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.

Summary

A scoliosometer is a medical instrument used for measuring scoliotic curvature of the spine. This article describes various historical models, including those by Mikulicz, Beely-Kirchhoff, and Schulthess, as well as methods for documenting spinal deformities through graphical representation and plaster casts.

Encyclopedia article (1928–1936)

SCOLIOSOMETER, an instrument for examining scoliotic curvature of the spine. The Mikulicz model is widely used. It consists of two elastic metal rulers: a vertical one and a horizontal one. The latter can move along the former in both vertical and horizontal directions. Both rulers have graduations. The instrument allows for the determination of the height of individual points of curvature, the magnitude of lateral deviation, the difference in the height of the convexity of individual parts of the back, as well as the height and position of the shoulder blades (Fig. 1). Data on the lateral deviation of the spine can be plotted as a curve on square-ruled paper, which makes it possible to visually compare results during repeated examinations.

Scoliosometer: figure 1 from the 1928–1936 encyclopedia article
Scoliosometer: figure 2 from the 1928–1936 encyclopedia article

Figure 1.

Figure 2. The Beely-Kirchhoff instrument is also practical. It consists of a measuring tape that is fixed at the neck, along which a plumb line moves. In addition, there is a small square for determining the magnitude of the anterior-posterior deviations of the back (Fig. 2) and a stamp for a grid onto which the graphical result of the examination is plotted (Fig. 3). The Ehlers instrument consists of a square grid that is superimposed on a photographic image of the back being examined (Fig. 4). The methods of Semeleder and Hovorka are based on the same principle of photographic examination. The most accurate representation of the curvature is provided by the Schulthess scoliosometer. However, this instrument is very complex. The method of "perimetric examination of the hump," proposed by Deutschlander, is original and consists of obtaining Figure 5. 2-left side, 2-level of the lumbar vertebra; 3-right side. plaster casts (negatives) of the back. The method is demonstrative but cumbersome.

Practically, it is more convenient to replace it with the Bernhard method—tracing the contours of the curved part of the body using a flexible zinc strip, which is then outlined with a pencil on paper (Fig. 5). 6 e---------- p c /zo : i 48-5/2.0

Scoliosometer: figure 3 from the 1928–1936 encyclopedia article

Figure 3.

Figure 4.

Cite this page

“Scoliosometer.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.com/article/scoliometer/