Development of a 3-Dimensional Back Contour Imaging System for Monitoring Scoliosis Progression in Children

A new scoliosis brace padding method based on trunk asymmetry for scoliosis treatment

BACKGROUND

Pressure pads are used with scoliosis braces to adjust the magnitude and location of corrective forces that mechanically support the torso to correct the spine deformity. In the conventional brace (C.B.) design approaches, the location and shape of pads are determined based on the visual assessment of the clinician. The accuracy of this approach could be improved because it is limited to the clinician's expertise. The present study aimed to develop a new brace (N.B.) padding method based on trunk asymmetry for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis and compare the efficacy of the developed method with C.B. in improving the Cobb angle and body posture symmetricity.

METHODS

The trunk surface geometry was scanned using a 3-dimensional scanner. The best plane of symmetry was determined, and the original trunk was reflected in the plane of symmetry, creating the reflected trunk. The difference between the reflected and original trunks was computed and color-coded using deviation contour maps. The boundary of deformed regions, with a minimum of 6-mm deviation contour maps, was identified as the trim lines for brace pads. Eight participants were recruited and divided into conventional and new padding groups. The variation of Cobb angle and torso asymmetry parameters, including the trunk rotation and back surface rotation, as well as the brace satisfaction and trunk appearance perception of the 2 groups, were compared after 3 months of treatment.

RESULTS

Cobb angle improved equally in the N.B. and C.B. groups. However, back surface rotation improved in the N.B. group (+49.6%) and worsened in the C.B. group (-6.8%). The mean trunk rotation was improved by 30% in the N.B. and further exacerbated by -2.2% in the C.B. group. The brace satisfaction and trunk appearance perception scores were higher in the N.B. than in the C.B. group, however not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that the proposed brace padding system improved the trunk appearance without negatively affecting the Cobb angle correction.

Reliability and Validity of Scoliosis Measurements Obtained with Surface Topography Techniques: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Surface topography (ST) is one of the methods in scoliosis assessment. This study aimed to systematically review the reliability and validity of the ST measurements for assessing scoliosis.

METHODS

A literature search of four databases was performed and is reported following PRISMA guidelines. The methodological quality was evaluated using Brink and Louw appraisal tool and data extraction was performed. The results were analyzed and synthesized qualitatively using the level of evidence method.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies were included and analyzed. Four were evaluated for reliability, six for validity, and eight for reliability and validity. The methodological quality of fourteen studies was high. Good to excellent intra-investigator reliability was shown on asymmetry, sagittal, horizontal, and most frontal ST measurements (evidence level: strong). Asymmetry and most frontal, sagittal, horizontal ST measurements showed good to excellent inter-investigator reliability (evidence level: moderate). When comparing corresponding ST and radiological measurements, good to strong validity was shown on most frontal, sagittal, and asymmetry measurements (evidence level: strong). Formetric measurements had good intra-investigator reliability and validity (evidence level: strong).

CONCLUSIONS

Most asymmetry, sagittal, and frontal ST measurements showed satisfactory reliability and validity. Horizontal ST measurements showed good reliability and poor validity. The ST technique may have great potential in assessing scoliosis, especially in reducing radiation exposure and performing cosmetic assessments.

Validating Surface Topography for the Measurement of the Thoracic Kyphosis Angle in Patients With Scoliosis: A Prospective Study of Accuracy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to test the validity and determine the accuracy of surface topography in relation to photogrammetry for measuring the thoracic kyphosis angle in patients with scoliosis.

METHODS

This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of diagnostic accuracy that followed the guidelines recommended by the Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy. We consecutively included 51 participants aged 7 to 18 years. Exclusion criteria were surgical treatment of the spine, neurological disease, lower limb discrepancy greater than 1.5 cm, and body mass index above 29 kg/m². Each participant was evaluated using both a surface topography scan and photogrammetry in random order. The measurement obtained through photogrammetry was used as a reference in this study. For statistical purposes, Pearson's correlation test, Bland-Altman graphical analysis, and the receiver operating characteristic curve (P < .05) were performed.

RESULTS

The correlation between the measurements was strong and significant (r = 0.76, P < .001) with an average difference of 0.4° in the Bland-Altman analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve area was excellent for hypokyphosis (93.4%) and good for hyperkyphosis (86.4%), both being significant (P < .005).

CONCLUSION

The agreement and strong correlation between the 2 methods indicate the validity of surface topography to measure the thoracic kyphosis angle. The surface topography provides accurate measures for the thoracic kyphosis angle with cutoff points for hypo- (33.3°) and hyperkyphosis (40.8°) for individuals with scoliosis.

Decreased Vertical Trunk Inclination Angle and Pelvic Inclination as the Result of Mid-High-Heeled Footwear on Static Posture Parameters in Asymptomatic Young Adult Women

The influence of high-heel footwear on the lumbar lordosis angle, anterior pelvic tilt, and sacral tilt are inconsistently described in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the impact of medium-height heeled footwear on the static posture parameters of homogeneous young adult standing women. Heel geometry, data acquisition process, as well as data analysis and parameter extraction stage, were controlled. Seventy-six healthy young adult women with experience in wearing high-heeled shoes were enrolled. Data of fifty-three subjects were used for analysis due to exclusion criteria (scoliotic posture or missing measurement data). A custom structured light surface topography measurement system was used for posture parameters assessment. Three barefoot measurements were taken as a reference and tested for the reliability of the posture parameters. Two 30-degree wedges were used to imitate high-heel shoes to achieve a repeatable foot position. Our study confirmed the significant (p < 0.001) reduced vertical balance angle and pelvis inclination angle with large and medium-to-large effects, respectively, due to high-heel shoes. No significant differences were found in the kyphosis or lordosis angles. High-heeled shoes of medium height in young asymptomatic women can lead to a straightening effect associated with a reduced vertical balance angle and decreased pelvic inclination.

An ontology-based module of the information system ScolioMedIS for 3D digital diagnosis of adolescent scoliosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Conventional information systems are built on top of a relational database. The main weakness of these systems is impossibility to define stable data schema ahead when the knowledge of the system is evolving and dynamic. The widely accepted alternatives to relational databases are ontologies that can be used for designing information systems. Many research papers describe various methods for improving reliability and precision in generating the type of the Lenke classification based on the image processing techniques or a computer program, but all of them require radiograph images. The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate the development of an ontology-based module of the information system ScolioMedIS for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) diagnosis and monitoring, which uses optical 3D methods to determine the Lenke classification of AIS and to avoid harmful effects of traditional radiation diagnosis.

METHODS

For creating an ontology-based module of the ScolioMedIS we used the following steps: specification, conceptualization, formalization and implementation. In the specification and conceptualization phase we performed data collection and analysis to define domain, concepts and relationships for ontology design. In the formalization and implementation stage we developed the OBR-Scolio ontology and the ontology-based module of the ScolioMedIS. The module employs the Protégé-OWL API, as a collection of Java interfaces for the OBR-Scolio ontology, which enables the creating, deleting, and editing of the basic elements of the OBR-Scolio ontology, as well as the querying of the ontology.

RESULTS

The ontology-based module of ScolioMedIS is tested on the datasets of 20 female and 15 male patients with AIS between the ages of 11 and 18, to categorize spinal curvatures and to automatically generate statistical indicators about the frequency of the basic spinal curvatures, degree of progression or regression of deformity and statistical indicators about curvature characteristics according to the Lenke classification system and Lenke scoliosis types. Results are then compared with analysis of the Lenke classification of 315 observed patients, performed using traditional radiation techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

This part of the system allows continuous monitoring of the progression/regression of spinal curvatures for each registered patient, which may provide a better management of scoliosis (diagnosis and treatment).

Anatomical reference marks, evaluation parameters and reproducibility of surface topography for evaluating the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Surface topography is a radiation-free examination that provides relevant information for the evaluation of patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). However, its usage is not standardized, which restricts the applicability of this instrument.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

(a) To identify the anatomical reference markers used on surface topography; (b) to identify the parameters used on surface topography; and (c) to pool correlation and reproducibility results.

METHODS

Systematic searches were conducted following MOOSE (Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines. The methodological quality was assessed according to Brink & Louw appraisal tool.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were included for the qualitative synthesis. The most commonly used anatomical reference markers were: the prominent vertebra (C7 or T1), the posterior superior iliac spines (PSISs) and the sacrum (S1). The parameters for the evaluation of the AIS by surface topography are: spinal inclination angle (analogous to Cobb), gibbosity, thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle, pelvic obliquity, spine length, apex of the curve, C7-S1 distance (frontal plane), and C7-S1 displacement (sagittal plane). Data from eleven studies were metanalyzed and evidenced the correlation of the surface topography with X-ray exams and the reproducibility of the surface topography in the sagittal and frontal planes.

SIGNIFICANCE

The findings of this study recommend the use of a protocol for the application of the equipment. The analyzed studies predict the use of only four markers for anatomical reference. The evaluation of the AIS can be carried out observing nine parameters. Surface topography correlates with radiography when the spinal inclination angle (Cobb angle), thoracic kyphosis angle and lumbar lordosis angle are compared. Also, surface topography presents inter and intra-rater reproducibility in the sagittal plane and intra-rater reproducibility in the frontal plane.

Assessment of Vert-3D repeatability and reproducibility for evaluating the scoliosis of children with different nutritional profiles

Abstract Introduction: The Vert-3D is a radiation-free system which offers a three-dimensional view of the back’s surface, providing a quantitative assessment of spinal curvatures. Objective: To verify the repeatability, inter-rater reproducibility, and correlation between Cobb angles and the results of the Vert-3D system version 1 in the evaluation of the front curvatures of the spine in children with different nutritional profiles. Methods: The sample was composed of 115 children who underwent posterior-anterior panoramic digital radiography of the spine and five evaluations with the Vert-3D system by three trained raters. Results: Version 1 of the Vert-3D system showed: (1) significant and moderate correlations of repeatability for arrows on the left (ICC between .54 to .83) and significant and moderate correlations for arrows on the right (ICC between .55 to .60) for only normal BMI; (2) significant correlations of inter-rater reproducibility for left arrows (ICC between .47 to .65), weak to moderate correlations for right arrows (ICC between .29 to .60), and no significance for obese samples; and (3) significant correlations ranging between .31 and .60 on the left side and non-significant correlations to the right side between Cobb angles and scoliosis arrows. Conclusion: High correlation levels solely on the left side decrease the possibility of system-use for the assessment of scoliosis.

Validação de um sistema de topografia para avaliação da coluna vertebral no plano sagital de crianças em diferentes perfis nutricionais

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a validade concorrente, a repetibilidade e a reprodutibilidade interavaliador do sistema Vert 3D na avaliação das curvaturas torácica e lombar de crianças com diferentes perfis nutricionais. Participaram 115 crianças, divididas em três grupos: baixo peso e eutróficos, sobrepeso e obesos. Cada criança fez uma radiografia panorâmica da coluna vertebral na incidência perfil direito, de onde foram obtidos os ângulos de Cobb de cifose torácica e lordose lombar. Além disso, cada participante foi avaliada com o sistema de topografia Vert 3D cinco vezes no mesmo dia, imediatamente após a avaliação radiológica. As avaliações foram realizadas por três avaliadores independentes e forneceram os ângulos Vert de cifose torácica e lordose lombar. No software SPSS os dados foram submetidos ao Coeficiente de Correlação Produto-momento de Pearson, Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse, teste t pareado e ANOVA one-way. O sistema Vert 3D apresentou excelentes níveis de repetibilidade e reprodutibilidade interavaliador, independente do perfil nutricional avaliado, para os ângulos de cifose torácica e lordose lombar, mas apresentou correlação fraca com o ângulo de Cobb para cifose torácica e moderada para lordose lombar. Esses resultados sinalizam que esse sistema pode ser utilizado no acompanhamento clínico de alterações posturais da coluna vertebral no plano sagital de crianças de todos os perfis nutricionais, mas não pode ser utilizado como forma de diagnóstico ou com o objetivo de estimar o ângulo de Cobb.

Monitoring for idiopathic scoliosis curve progression using surface topography asymmetry analysis of the torso in adolescents

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

At first visit and each clinical follow-up session, patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) undergo radiographic examination, from which the Cobb angle is measured. The cumulative exposure to X-ray radiation justifies efforts in developing noninvasive methods for scoliosis monitoring.

PURPOSE

To determine the capability of the three-dimensional markerless surface topography (ST) asymmetry analysis to detect ≥5° progression in the spinal curvature in patients with AIS over 1-year follow-up interval.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

Cross-sectional study in a specialized scoliosis clinic.

PATIENT SAMPLE

In this study, baseline and 1-year follow-up full torso ST scans of 100 patients with AIS were analyzed using three-dimensional markerless asymmetry analysis.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Patients with ΔCobb≥5° and ΔCobb<5° were categorized into progression and nonprogression groups, respectively.

METHODS

The ST scan of each full torso was analyzed to calculate the best plane of symmetry by minimizing the distances between the torso and its reflection about the plane of symmetry. Distance between the torso and its reflection was measured and displayed as deviation color maps. The difference of ST measurements between two successive acquisitions was used to determine if the scoliosis has progressed at least 5° or not. The classification tree technique was implemented using the local deformity of the torso in the thoracic-thoracolumbar (T-TL) and lumbar (L) regions to categorize curves into progression and nonprogression groups. The change in maximum deviation and root mean square of the deviations in the torso were the parameters effective in capturing the curve progression. Funding for this research is provided by the Scoliosis Research Society, and Women and Children's Health Research Institute.

RESULTS

The classification model detected 85.7% of the progression and 71.6% of the nonprogression cases. The resulting false-negative rate of 4% for T-TL curves, representing the proportion of undetected progressions, confirmed that the technique shows promise to monitor the progression of T-TL scoliosis curves. Although 100% L curves with progression were detected using the deviation color maps of the torsos, because of the small number of analyzed L curves, further research is needed before the efficiency of the method in capturing the L curves with progression is confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the developed classification tree for the patients analyzed in this study, 43% of nonprogression cases between two visits would not have to undergo an X-ray examination.