Methodological evaluation of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for Cobb angle measurement in females with idiopathic scoliosis: a reliability and validity study in Thailand
- Author:
Tunyalux WANNAKON
1
;
Kanogwan DIMU
;
Achareeyapon AUTSRIYA
;
Apiwich APIWONGNGAM
;
Patraporn SITILERTPISAN
;
Montree TUNGJAI
;
Nuanlaor THAWINCHAI
Author Information
- Publication Type:Clinical Study
- From:Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(2):323-332
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Methods:A repeated-measures design was used to evaluate the test–retest reliability of measuring spinal alignment with DEXA. Eighty-six women aged 18–20 years with a diagnosis of IS, who had undergone spinal radiography within the previous 3 months, underwent two DEXA scans (DEXA1 and DEXA2) 1 week apart. Cobb angles were measured on radiographs, DEXA1, and DEXA2 by two independent assessors. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess test–retest reliability and inter-rater reliability. Concurrent validity was examined using Pearson’s correlation coefficients between Cobb angles obtained from radiographs and those from DEXA1 and DEXA2 images.
Results:Cobb angle measurements from DEXA images had excellent test–retest and nter-rater reliability (ICC>0.90) and very strong concurrent validity with radiographs (r >0.90, p <0.001). The mean difference in Cobb angles between radiographs and DEXA images ranged from 2.37° to 2.91°, whereby the curves were less severe on DEXA images.
Conclusions:DEXA has consistent reliability and validity for evaluating spinal alignment and is potentially useful in monitoring curve progression in young populations.
