The clinical value of Moiré topography in the management of scoliosis

An analysis of the diagnostic reliability and the clinical value of moiré topography is presented. Moiré topography was used as an adjunct to clinical assessment and roentgenographic examination in a consecutive series of 139 scoliosis observations. In 17%, the moiré pattern lateral to the scapulae was impossible to analyze. One false negative finding and 23 false positive findings were observed. There was no correlation between the moiré asymmetry and the Cobb angle. An asymmetry of one contour line implied a curve less than 25 degrees. (The location of the maximal moiré asymmetry did not necessarily coincide with the apex of the scoliosis.) It is concluded that moiré topography is loaded with pitfalls that must be considered. However, used in a designed way, the method is of clinical value, complementing physical examination in screening and longitudinal observation of scoliosis.