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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Scoliosis | Research article

Proper positioning of mice for Cobb angle radiographic measurements

Authors: Zhe Yi Chen, Keith Dip Kei Luk, You Qiang Song, Bo Gao, Jason Pui Yin Cheung

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

There is no recommended standard for positioning of a mouse for radiographic assessment of the spine. This is necessary to have reproducible radiographic data and avoid false positive results. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of various postures on Cobb angle measurements and to set up a positioning standard for imaging mouse spines.

Methods

This study was conducted in three parts. Firstly, we identified the problem of lack of posture standardization for radiographs. We collected 77 C57BL/6 J mice for spine radiographs and found a scoliosis prevalence of 28.6% with large variations in curve magnitude. Secondly, 24 C57BL/6 J mice underwent 4 consecutive weekly radiographs and observed high variations (relative standard deviation: 125.3%) between radiographs. Thirdly, we collected another 82 C57BL/6 J mice and designed 14 different postures that could take place during imaging. These postures were related to curling of the limbs, and head, pelvic and tail tilting.

Results

The results showed that head and pelvic tilting significantly affects the curve magnitude with effect size (Glass’s delta) over 1.50. Avoiding these incorrect positions during radiographs is warranted. The standard recommended posture for mouse imaging entails positioning the snout, interorbital space, neck and whole spine in one line, and with the limbs placed symmetrical to the trunk, whilst avoiding stretching the body of the mouse.

Conclusions

Our work exemplified the importance of standard protocol during imaging when using an animal model in the scoliosis study. We recommend utilizing this standard in studying various disorders of the spine to avoid technical causes for the appearance of a curve.
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Metadata
Title
Proper positioning of mice for Cobb angle radiographic measurements
Authors
Zhe Yi Chen
Keith Dip Kei Luk
You Qiang Song
Bo Gao
Jason Pui Yin Cheung
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Scoliosis
Published in
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-03949-8

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