Methods for measuring kyphosis:
(1) standing wall test
(2) lying down block test
(3) Cobb angle on lateral radiograph of the spine
(4) flexicurve (flexible draftsman ruler = adjustable curve)
(5) goniometer
(6) kyphometer
(7) inclinometer
Standing wall test:
(1) The person is standing with the back against the wall.
(2) The head is held erect with the eyes looking ahead..
(3) The horizontal distance from the wall to the back of the head is measured in cm.
Lying down block test:
(1) The person lies supine, flat on a rigid surface.
(2) 1.7 cm thick blocks are placed under the head until the head is restored to a neutral position (A line running from forehead to chin is parallel to the rigid surface).
(3) Normally no blocks are required.
Cobb angle from a lateral radiograph of the spine:
(1) A line is drawn along the upper surface of the T4 vertebral body.
(2) A line is drawn along the inferior surface of the T12 vertebral body.
(3) A line is drawn perpendicular to the line in #1.
(4) A line is drawn perpendicular to the line in #2.
(5) The angle between the lines in #3 and #4 is measured where they intersect.
(6) In normal young adults the angle ranges from 20 to 40 degrees. The angle progressively increases with age. With vertebral collapse the angle can increase sharply.
