X-ray study to verify clinical findings in patients with scoliosis and other deformities of the spine is associated with considerable radiation exposure as well as a variety of other problems, particularly as regards assessing disease progression. Hence, in the course of the past few years a number of alternative, supplementary spinal diagnostic procedures have been developed which are based on analysis of the surface of the back: Moiré topography, photogrammetry/raster stereometry, opTRImetric system, ISIS system, video raster stereometry (formetrics), ultrasound-guided spine analysis (Zebris) and ultrasound topometry. To assess the effectiveness of screening, diagnosis, and progression of scoliosis the formetric system of video raster stereometry and the Zebris system for ultrasound-guided spine analysis were tested. It was shown that the results of screening tests, diagnostic study, and progression evaluation of scoliosis and sagittal deformities were exact enough using these systems. Furthermore, the ultrasound-guided Zebris system offers the option of dynamic analysis of spinal movement. Limitations in measurement precision were found in obese patients, asymmetric muscle surfaces, and in patients who had undergone surgery, although in the latter group progression could be reliably monitored if the radiological angle was known. We can assume that surface analysis procedures will gain in importance clinically and in practice.
The results of this study corroborate the value of ESWT for recalcitrant plantar fascitis. As a non invasive technique with low side effects, it can complement the row of conservative treatments.
When conservative treatment of developmental hip dysplasia (DDH) does not render satisfactory results, surgical methods are indicated to gain a maximum of joint posture and stability. To assess the efficiency of these surgical procedures, the long-term results of the most often used pelvic osteotomies were examined. As common evaluation scores do not apply for DDH, we developed a specific score system of 100 points to integrate subjective factors such as patient's complaints with objective functional and radiological findings after surgical intervention. Our survey with an average postoperative follow-up examination of 10 years indicated that Salter's innominate osteotomy can render long-term pain relief and enable normal hip development, whereas Chiari's capsular arthroplasty does not. Here, subjective patient complaints do not correlate with clinical and radiological findings, which leads to unsatisfactory results. Ideally, patients aged 2-3 years can undergo Salter's innominate osteotomy whereas the Chiari osteotomy should be considered for patients older than 15 years. Even under optimal surgical conditions, Chiari's osteotomy cannot significantly prevent the development of joint arthritis. Undoubtedly, late results of both surgical procedures are dependent upon the initial stage of DDH. Additional upper femoral correction osteotomies have no further influence on hip development.
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