ScoliometerScoliometerHSHS 349L349L

Instructions for Use Instructions for Use

1. View the 1. View the person from person from behind, standing behind, standing erect. erect.

See figure 1See figure 1

Instructions for UseInstructions for Use

2. Ask the person to 2. Ask the person to extend his arms extend his arms forward and place forward and place hands together with hands together with palms flat against palms flat against each other, as if to each other, as if to dive into water. dive into water.

See figure 2 See figure 2

Instructions for UseInstructions for Use 3. Ask the person to bend 3. Ask the person to bend

forward slowly, stopping forward slowly, stopping when the shoulders are level when the shoulders are level with the hips. View the with the hips. View the patient from both the front patient from both the front and the back. For best view, and the back. For best view, your eyes should be at the your eyes should be at the same level as the back. same level as the back. Note any rib elevation and/or Note any rib elevation and/or asymmetry in the flank (low asymmetry in the flank (low back) area. back) area.

See figure 3 See figure 3

Instructions for UseInstructions for Use

4. Before measuring with the Scoliometer, 4. Before measuring with the Scoliometer, adjust the height of the person’s bending adjust the height of the person’s bending position to the level where the deformity of the position to the level where the deformity of the spine is most pronounced. This position will spine is most pronounced. This position will vary from one person to another depending vary from one person to another depending upon the location of the curvature. For example, upon the location of the curvature. For example, a curve low in the lumbar spine will require that a curve low in the lumbar spine will require that the person bend further forward than one which the person bend further forward than one which is present in the thoracic or upper spine.is present in the thoracic or upper spine.

Instructions for UseInstructions for Use

5. Lay the Scoliometer across the 5. Lay the Scoliometer across the deformity at right angles to the body, with deformity at right angles to the body, with the “0” mark over the top of the spinous the “0” mark over the top of the spinous process. Let the Scoliometer rest gently process. Let the Scoliometer rest gently on the skin; do not push down. Read the on the skin; do not push down. Read the number to degrees of rotation. number to degrees of rotation.

See figure 4a and 4b See figure 4a and 4b

Instructions for UseInstructions for Use

6. Note: If there is asymmetry in both the 6. Note: If there is asymmetry in both the upper and lower back, two Scoliometer upper and lower back, two Scoliometer readings will be necessary. The curves readings will be necessary. The curves will almost always go in opposite will almost always go in opposite directions with the one in the thoracic directions with the one in the thoracic spine usually to the right and the other in spine usually to the right and the other in the lumbar spine usually to the left. the lumbar spine usually to the left.

See figure 5a and 5bSee figure 5a and 5b

Instructions for UseInstructions for Use

7. The screening examination is considered 7. The screening examination is considered positive if the reading on the positive if the reading on the ScoliometerScoliometer is 5 is 5 degrees or more at any level of the spine. degrees or more at any level of the spine. Persons in this category should be referred Persons in this category should be referred immediately for further medical evaluation immediately for further medical evaluation (orthopedic surgeon). Lesser degrees of (orthopedic surgeon). Lesser degrees of rotation rotation may or may notmay or may not indicate a mild degree indicate a mild degree of scoliosis. Immediate referral is not of scoliosis. Immediate referral is not necessary; necessary; however, in such cases re-screening however, in such cases re-screening is recommended within three to six months.is recommended within three to six months. Consult your local medical advisor to the Consult your local medical advisor to the program for details. program for details.

Instructions for UseInstructions for Use

8. Record your findings on the postural 8. Record your findings on the postural examination form for future reference. examination form for future reference.

9. A change of 9. A change of 3 3 degrees or more of a degrees or more of a scoliometer measurement indicates a scoliometer measurement indicates a possible curve progression. A change of possible curve progression. A change of 22 degrees or less usually indicates only degrees or less usually indicates only minor variation in posture. It should be minor variation in posture. It should be noted however, that in some patients, noted however, that in some patients, curve progression may occasionally occur curve progression may occasionally occur withoutwithout a change in the clinical a change in the clinical measurement.measurement.

Instructions for UseInstructions for Use