Computer-assisted Cobb measurement of scoliosis

Abstract

This study was devised to develop a simple computerised method for measuring and quantifying the magnitude of spinal curvatures. A digitally scanned antero-posterior radiographic image was used. The vertebral column was defined as a line that can be subdivided into a number of segments, rather than into the exact number of vertebrae. The technique developed allows an observer to measure the spinal curvature with a high resolution and accuracy. One important advantage of the technique is that the assessor does not need to be skilled or experienced in measurement of a spinal curvature.