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. 2008 May;17(5):663-72.
doi: 10.1007/s00586-007-0581-x. Epub 2008 Feb 5.

A new system for measuring three-dimensional back shape in scoliosis

Fiona Berryman  1 , Paul Pynsent, Jeremy Fairbank, Simon Disney
Affiliations

A new system for measuring three-dimensional back shape in scoliosis

Fiona Berryman et al. Eur Spine J. 2008 May.

Abstract

The aim of this work was to develop a low-cost automated system to measure the three-dimensional shape of the back in patients with scoliosis. The resulting system uses structured light to illuminate a patient's back from an angle while a digital photograph is taken. The height of the surface is calculated using Fourier transform profilometry with an accuracy of +/-1 mm. The surface is related to body axes using bony landmarks on the back that have been palpated and marked with small coloured stickers prior to photographing. Clinical parameters are calculated automatically and presented to the user on a monitor and as a printed report. All data are stored in a database. The database can be interrogated and successive measurements plotted for monitoring the deformity changes. The system developed uses inexpensive hardware and open source software. Accurate surface topography can help the clinician to measure spinal deformity at baseline and monitor changes over time. It can help the patients and their families to assess deformity. Above all it reduces the dependence on serial radiography and reduces radiation exposure when monitoring spinal deformity.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Example of patient image with fringes projected onto the back; landmark markers can be seen
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Crossed-optical-axis geometry used in ISIS2; the symbols are explained in the text
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Example of phase unwrapping process; a Wrapped phase; b Unwrapped phase
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Patient stand with reference plane (screen); calibration markers can also be seen
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Body axes system; VP is vertebra prominens, SAC is sacrum, LLD is left lumbar dimple, RLD is right lumbar dimple
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Example of ISIS2 report
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Example of clinical parameter monitoring plots
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Distribution of lateral asymmetry curves for the first 168 patients
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Comparison of ISIS2 coronal curve estimates with radiographic measurement; a Patient 1 ISIS2 lateral asymmetry; b Patient 1 radiographic Cobb angle; c Patient 2 ISIS2 lateral asymmetry; d Patient 2 radiographic Cobb angle
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Adair I, VanWijk M, Armstrong G. Moiré topography in scoliosis screening. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1977;129:165–171. - PubMed
    1. Adam C, Izatt M, Harvey J, Askin G. Variability in Cobb angle measurements using reformatted computerized tomography scans. Spine. 2005;30(14):1664–1669. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000169449.68870.f8. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Berryman F (2004) Fourier transform profilometry for measuring back shape in scoliosis. PhD. School of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton
    1. Berryman F, Gardner A, Pynsent P, Fairbank J (2007) The relationship between Cobb angle and ISIS2 lateral asymmetry. In: Scoliosis Research Society eastern european regional meeting. Budapest, Hungary
    1. Berryman F, Pynsent P, Cubillo J. The effect of windowing in Fourier transform profilometry applied to noisy images. Opt Lasers Eng. 2004;41(6):815–825. doi: 10.1016/S0143-8166(03)00061-7. - DOI

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