Reliability and reproducibility of interapical distance assessment of the lateral deviation of vertebrae in scoliosis

Morphology-based realization of a rapid scoliosis correction simulation system

OBJECTIVE

Scoliosis is a complex spinal deformity in 3D space that commonly occurs in teenagers, especially teenage girls, and judging the actual deformed spine situation using only CT images is difficult. However, using 3D finite element models to help doctors analyse the deformed spine is also time-consuming and laborious. Therefore, software that can quickly and easily perform scoliosis correction analysis is needed. To achieve rapid preoperative simulation of scoliosis correction in 3D space and help doctors construct surgical programmes faster, a morphology-based system was developed for simulating scoliosis correction performance.

METHODS

The simulation system first takes advantage of the centre point of each vertebra on the entire spine model to fit a space curve. Then the system obtains information from the models and the space curve, and finally, uses the information to simulate scoliosis correction. The deformed spine model in the system can be corrected to a better state.

RESULTS

During the simulation process, doctors can easily and clearly see how the vertebral models move, and the deformed spine parameters are also updated and shown. Using this system, doctors can easily simulate scoliosis correction according to their experience and quickly construct a surgical programme.

CONCLUSIONS

The experimental results show that this system is capable of simulating scoliosis correction according to a doctor's own experience to speed up the operation and provides a scientific basis for the development of surgical programmes.

The effects of sitting with the right leg crossed on the trunk length and pelvic torsion of healthy individuals

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects on the trunk length and pelvic torsion of healthy individuals that arise from crossing the right leg while sitting. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects in this study were 30 healthy individuals consisting of 18 males and 12 females. The subjects were instructed to sit on a chair, the height of which was adjustable, so that their knee and hip joints were bent at 90°. For the study, they sat stripped to the waist, with the back and hips bare. They were then instructed to perform a one-leg-crossed sitting posture by placing the right leg on the top of the left knee. A spinal posture test was performed to measure the subjects’ trunk length and pelvic torsion by using a three-dimensional image-based spinal diagnostic system. [Results] The results of the three-dimensional spine examination showed statistically significant decreases in trunk length and pelvic torsion after the one-leg-crossed sitting posture. [Conclusion] In this study, the right leg-crossed sitting posture led to a decrease in the right trunk length with time and, in terms of pelvic torsion, increased the posterior rotation of the right pelvis when compared with the left pelvis.

The effect of chiropractic techniques on the Cobb angle in idiopathic scoliosis arising in adolescence

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine whether chiropractic techniques would reduce the curvature of idiopathic scoliosis, which commonly occurs in elementary school children. [Subjects] The subjects of this study were 5 healthy elementary students who listened to an explanation of the study methods and purpose of the study and agreed to participate in the experiment. [Methods] The Cobb angle was measured by taking an X-ray (FCT-1, Dongmun, Goyangsi, Republic of Korea) taken from the rear, using X-ray film. The method of intervention this study used was application of chiropractic techniques. Spinal correction was carried out for 30 minutes per session, which included soft tissue massage, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. [Results] It was established that the Cobb angle was noticeably decreased after 4 weeks of the intervention. Post Hoc analysis revealed that the Cobb angle noticeably decreased after 4 weeks compared with the Cobb angle before the chiropractic techniques were applied. However, no significant difference in Cobb angle was evident after the fourth week. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that chiropractic techniques can effectively reduce the Cobb angle within as little as 4 weeks. So, we can confirm that the chiropractic techniques were effective for reducing the curvature of idiopathic scoliosis.