By

Jens R Chapman, MD, Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, ZA-48, Seattle, WA 98104-2499, USA
Michael J Lee, MD, Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
Jeffrey T Hermsmeyer, BSc, Project Manager, Spectrum Research, Inc., 705 S 9th Street, Suite 203, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA
Joseph R Dettori, PhD, MPH, Spectrum Research, Inc., 705 S 9th Street, Suite 203, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA
Daniel C Norvell, PhD, Spectrum Research, Inc., 705 S 9th Street, Suite 203, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA

In the course of evaluating the patient with spinal disease, a myriad of measurements need to be performed before determining the diagnosis and the severity of the disease process. This text explicitly outlines the measurement of the spine from a clinical, laboratory, and radiographic approach. A detailed description of the actual technique of measurement and the clinical implication are presented with accompanying illustrations. This amalgamation of measurement tools for the spine is a beneficial reference for a wide spectrum of healthcare providers: students, nurses, residents, fellows, and established surgeons.

In addition to its detailed illustrated presentation, each measurement technique has been graded for scientific and clinical utility with a score that specifically grades:

Interobserver reliability
Intraobserver reliability
Universality
Disease specificity
Ease of application
Simplicity
Patient tolerability
Expense

The detail presented in this text will not only serve as a reference, but will also allow the reader to accurately reproduce measurement techniques, thus enhancing inter-physician communication, research of the spine, and improvement of patient care.