Acute postural adaptations induced by a shoe lift in idiopathic scoliosis patients

Eur Spine J. 2001 Apr;10(2):107-13. doi: 10.1007/s005860000244.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify acute spinal and three-dimensional postural adaptations induced by a shoe lift in a population of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) patients. Forty-six IS patients (mean age: 12 +/- 2 years) were evaluated radiologically and with a stereovideographic system for pelvic obliquity. Based on the initial postural and radiological evaluation, a pertinent shoe lift height was chosen for each with the result that 12 patients were tested with 5-mm (S5) lifts, 20 patients were tested with 10-mm (S10) lifts, and 14 patients with 15-mm (S15) lifts. The posture for all 46 patients was then re-evaluated and a spinal radiograph obtained for 14 patients. The implementation of a shoe lift independent of the type of curve and amplitude significantly decreased the Cobb angle. As expected there was a change in the vertical height of the left tibial plateau and greater trochanter that induced a change in pelvic tilt. There was also a significant increase in the vertical height of S1 and T1. There was a significant change in the left and right iliac bone version, as well as a decrease in the difference in version between these two bones. The implementation of the shoe lifts also changed the lateral shift of the pelvis. A relative change between the shoulders and pelvis for tilt and anteroposterior shift was also found to be significant. In conclusion, using a shoe lift resulted in acute postural adaptations which specifically affected the spine and the three-dimensional position and orientation of the pelvis and shoulder girdle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Orthopedic Equipment*
  • Posture*
  • Radiography
  • Scoliosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Scoliosis / therapy*
  • Shoes*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome