RESULTS OF FULCRUM-TEST APPLICATION IN PREOPERATIVE PLANNING FOR SURGICAL TREATMENT OF CHILDREN WITH IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS
There are several methods of mobility assessment during preoperative evaluation before deformity correction existing. In most articles on a comparative analysis of different techniques authors evaluate children with idiopathic deformities only and with curves which do not exceed more than 60? Cobb angle. 8 patients with different scoliotic deformities according to etiology and curve degree took part in our research. During preoperative evaluation in all of them an antero-posterior x-ray of the spine was performed: in standing position, with side-bending and lying on a fulcrum. The amount of correction with using either method was conducted, mobility index was calculated also. Methods of descriptive statistics were used to objectively present the results. Mean age of patients was 15.5 years. Median for curve Cobb angle before treatment was 75.5? (min=48?, max=99?). Median for curve Cobb angle during bending-test and fulcrum-test was 56.5? (min= 21?, max=96?) and 44? (min=21?, max=72?), respectively. Median mobility index for either test was 75% (min=44%, max=100%) for bending and 56% (min=41%, max=73%) for fulcrum. Surgical plan had been changed for 2 patients based on the results of fulcrum-test. According to our results fulcrum-test reflects mobility of the curve more objectively thus improving the results of preoperative planning and surgical treatment of patients. Furthermore we assume this method as a method of choice in evaluation of patients with neurogenic deformities developed as a result of neuromuscular diseases and poor muscle control who are unable to bend their trunk actively.