Why Is It Called Cobb Angle?

History. The Cobb angle is named after the American orthopedic surgeon John Robert Cobb (1903–1967), was originally used to measure coronal plane deformity on radiographs with antero-posterior projection for the classification of scoliosis.

Why is Cobb’s method preferred?

Compared to other methods of assessing spinal curvature, the Cobb angle method is preferred for its better reproducibility [7], easier application, and suitability for measuring more severe spinal curvature.

What is Cobb degree?

The Cobb angle is the most widely used measurement to quantify the magnitude of spinal deformities, especially in the case of scoliosis, on plain radiographs. Scoliosis is defined as a lateral spinal curvature with a Cobb angle of >10° ⁴.

What is Cobb measurement?

Cobb angle is a measurement of the degree of side-to-side spinal curvature, which is a deformity you may know as scoliosis. A Cobb angle describes the maximum distance from straight a scoliotic curve may be. Generally, it takes at least 10 degrees of deviation from straight before scoliosis is defined.

Who invented the Cobb angle?

The Cobb Angle is used as a standard measurement to determine and track the progression of scoliosis. Scoliosis is defined as a lateral spinal curvature with a Cobb angle of >10°. ✍️Dr John Cobb invented this method in 1948.

What Cobb angle is significant?

A Cobb angle in the range of 10 to 20 degrees is considered as mild scoliosis. Scoliosis severity is moderate when the Cobb angle ranges from 20 to 40 degrees. A Cobb angle greater than 40 degrees denotes severe scoliosis.

Is Cobb angle accurate?

The scoliosis Cobb angle can be measured accurately and rapidly using the principle of the Cobb angle being equal to the sum of tilt angles of the upper and lower end vertebra, where in the film data of imaging will not be easily contaminated. Under special conditions, the average measuring error is ± 3°.

What famous person has scoliosis?

Elizabeth Taylor is arguably one of the most famous actors known throughout the world. She was born with congenital scoliosis but didn’t let it slow her down or limit her accomplishments, including winning two oscars.

Is a 14 degree curve scoliosis?

Scoliosis can only be diagnosed using an X-ray, where physicians measure the exact degree of curve in your child’s spine. Anything more than a 10 degree curve is considered to be scoliosis. Curves with less than a 10 degree bend are diagnosed as spinal asymmetry – which generally doesn’t require any treatment.

What is a Cobb angle 10 degrees?

The Cobb angle is a measure of the curvature of the spine in degrees which helps the doctor to determine what type of treatment is necessary. Typically, a Cobb angle of 10 is regarded as a minimum angulation to define scoliosis.

How do you make a Cobb angle?

To measure the Cobb angle, one must first decide which vertebrae are the end vertebrae of the curve deformity (the terminal vertebrae) – the vertebra whose endplates are most tilted towards each other ⁴. Lines are then drawn along the endplates, and the angle between the two lines, where they intersect, measured.

Can Cobb angle be reduced?

Pattern-specific scoliosis rehabilitation (PSSR) works to reduce the asymmetrical load caused by scoliosis. PSSR is effective in stabilizing Cobb angle, and can, in some cases, reduce Cobb angle in adolescents. Patients recommended for surgery may be candidates for conservative treatment.

How do you draw a Cobb angle?

Using the AP view, identify the apex vertebra. Next, identify the end vertebra which have the maximally tilted end plate. Draw a line parallel to the superior and inferior end-plates of the upper and lower end vertebrae, respectively. The cobb angle is the angle between these lines.

What are the 4 types of scoliosis?

There are four types of scoliosis: congenital, idiopathic, neuromuscular, and degenerative². In congenital scoliosis, the misalignment occurs as a result of deformed vertebrae or ribs present at birth. A variety of developmental factors can cause this deformity². About 80% of cases are considered idiopathic¹.

Is scoliosis only genetic?

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis probably results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studies suggest that the abnormal spinal curvature may be related to hormonal problems, abnormal bone or muscle growth, nervous system abnormalities, or other factors that have not been identified.

What is a Ferguson angle?

The lumbosacral angle (LSA) is also called as the “sacral angle” or the “Ferguson’s angle”13. The angle is measured by joining a line across the plane of the superior margin of the sacrum and a horizontal line.

What are the 3 types of scoliosis?

Scoliosis can be classified by etiology: idiopathic, congenital or neuromuscular. Idiopathic scoliosis is the diagnosis when all other causes are excluded and comprises about 80 percent of all cases. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis and is usually diagnosed during puberty.

How is Cobb angle used in scoliosis?

How to measure the Cobb angle. The patient stands while a front view x-ray of the spine is taken. The doctor uses the x-ray to locate the apex vertebra, which is at the deepest part of the scoliosis curve, as well as the most-tilted vertebra above the apex and most-tilted vertebra below the apex.

What degree of scoliosis is severe?

Health care providers measure scoliosis curves in degrees: A mild curve is less than 20 degrees. A moderate curve is between 25 degrees and 40 degrees. A severe curve is more than 50 degrees.

Which exercise is good for scoliosis?

Low-impact exercises such as Pilates, yoga,` and tai chi can help improve trunk flexibility and range of motion. Some scoliosis exercise programs, such as the Schroth method, may help teens reduce the magnitude of their spinal curve.

What degree of scoliosis requires surgery?

If your C-curve becomes severe (i.e., more than 40 degrees), or if you develop an S-shaped curve, you need surgery. As an adult, a scoliosis curve is only considered to be severe if it’s more than 50 degrees. Even in such a case, you may not need treatment.