Which imaging modality is most appropriate to confirm scoliosis after screening suggests curvature?

Which imaging modality is most appropriate to confirm scoliosis after screening suggests curvature?

• A. X-ray
• B. MRI
• C. CT scan
• D. Ultrasound

Answer: (A)

Confirming scoliosis requires an imaging study that accurately shows spinal alignment and allows measurement of the curve. A standing full-spine X-ray provides a clear view of the entire spine, shows the direction and magnitude of the curvature, and enables calculation of the Cobb angle—the standard metric used to define scoliosis and monitor progression. Other imaging options aren’t ideal for this initial confirmation: MRI focuses on soft tissues and the spinal cord, not the precise bony curvature; CT offers detailed bone anatomy but involves higher radiation and is not the first choice for routine curve assessment; ultrasound cannot reliably visualize the spine to measure scoliosis. So, standing X-ray is the best choice to confirm scoliosis and quantify its severity.

Confirming scoliosis requires an imaging study that accurately shows spinal alignment and allows measurement of the curve. A standing full-spine X-ray provides a clear view of the entire spine, shows the direction and magnitude of the curvature, and enables calculation of the Cobb angle—the standard metric used to define scoliosis and monitor progression. Other imaging options aren’t ideal for this initial confirmation: MRI focuses on soft tissues and the spinal cord, not the precise bony curvature; CT offers detailed bone anatomy but involves higher radiation and is not the first choice for routine curve assessment; ultrasound cannot reliably visualize the spine to measure scoliosis. So, standing X-ray is the best choice to confirm scoliosis and quantify its severity.