Cobb

Cobb is a term with multiple meanings in different contexts. In the medical field, it is most commonly associated with the Cobb angle, a measurement used in the diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis. The Cobb angle is named after American orthopedic surgeon John Robert Cobb, who developed the method.

Cobb Angle

The Cobb angle is a standard measurement used in orthopedics to quantify the severity of spinal deformities, particularly in cases of scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis. The angle is measured by drawing two perpendicular lines: one from the top of the uppermost vertebra involved in the curve, and the other from the bottom of the lowest vertebra involved. The angle where these two lines intersect is the Cobb angle.

John Robert Cobb

John Robert Cobb (1903-1967) was an American orthopedic surgeon known for his contributions to the field of spinal deformity treatment. He developed the Cobb angle measurement method, which has since become the standard in diagnosing and monitoring the progression of scoliosis and other spinal deformities.

Use in Scoliosis Treatment

In the treatment of scoliosis, the Cobb angle is used to determine the severity of the spinal curve and to monitor changes over time. A Cobb angle of less than 10 degrees is considered within normal limits. A curve of 10-20 degrees is typically monitored with regular x-rays, but may not require treatment. A curve of 25-40 degrees usually requires bracing, and a curve greater than 50 degrees is often treated with surgery.

See Also

• Orthopedics
• Scoliosis
• Kyphosis
• Lordosis

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