The construction industry learned a long time ago that progress is much easier to achieve if everyone uses the same measurement system. Substantial advancements in spine healthcare might be achieved with standardization of how spine measurements are made. Some efforts have already been made (see refs below). Are there any ongoing efforts to achieve standardization in how spine measurements and assessments are made, other than within individual research groups?

Angevine PD, Kaiser MG: Radiographic measurement techniques. Neurosurgery 2008, 63(3 Suppl):40-45.

13. Fardon DF, Milette PC: Nomenclature and Classification of Lumbar Disc Pathology: Recommendations of the Combined Task Forces of the North American Spine Society, American Society of Spine Radiology, and American Society of Neuroradiology. Spine 2001, 26(5):E93.

14. Fardon DF, Williams AL, Dohring EJ, Murtagh FR, Rothman SLG, Sze GK: Lumbar disc nomenclature: version 2.0: Recommendations of the combined task forces of the North American Spine Society, the American Society of Spine Radiology and the American Society of Neuroradiology. The Spine Journal 2014, 14(11):2525-2545.

15. O’Brien MF, Kuklo TR, Blanke KM, Lenke LG: Spinal deformity study group radiographic measurement manual. Memphis, TN: Medtronic Sofamor Danek 2005.