The rib index is not practically affected by the distance between the radiation source and the examined child.

Background: All lateral spinal radiographs in idiopathic scoliosis (IS) show a Double Rib Contour Sign (DRCS) of the thoracic cage, a radiographic expression of the rib hump. The outline of the convex overlies the contour of the concave ribs. The rib index (RI) method was extracted from the DRCS to evaluate rib hump deformity in IS patients.

Maternal age at birth: does it dictate the epigenotypic expression of the trunkal asymmetry of a child?

Introduction: Trunkal back asymmetry is considered very important for the selection of children at risk of developing scoliosis. Traditionally, this asymmetry as thoracic or lumbar hump is the main indicator for referral of subjects with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) to clinics from school-screening programs. This asymmetry is also used as the most important sign for further assessment at scoliosis clinics.