Reliability of automated topographic measurements for spine deformity

Abstract

Purpose This study introduces a novel surface-topographic scanning system capable of automatically generating a suite of objective measurements to characterize torso shape. Research Question: what is the reliability of the proposed system for measurement of trunk alignment parameters in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and controls? Methods Forty-six adolescents (26 with AIS and 20 controls) were recruited for a prospective reliability study. A series of angular, volumetric, and area measures were computed from topographic scans in each of three clinically relevant poses using a fully automated processing pipeline. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC(2,1)) were computed within (intra-) and between (inter-) raters. Measurements were also performed on a torso phantom. Results Topographic measurements computed on a phantom were highly accurate (mean RMS error 1.7%) compared with CT. For human subjects, intra- and inter-rater reliability were both high (average ICC > 0.90) with intrinsic (pose-independent) measurements having near-perfect reliability (average ICC > 0.98). Conclusion The proposed system is a suitable tool for topographic analysis of AIS; topographic measurements offer an objective description of torso shape that may complement other imaging modalities. Further research is needed to compare topographic findings with gold standard imaging of spinal alignment, e.g., standing radiography. Conclusion: clinical parameters can be reliably measured in a fully automated system, paving the way for objective analysis of symmetry, body shape pre/post-surgery, and tracking of pathology without ionizing radiation.

Exploring Correlations Between Pain and Deformity in Idiopathic Scoliosis With Validated Self-reported Pain Scores, Radiographic Measurements, and Trunk Surface Topographic Measurements

“…Radiographic parameters were obtained from EOS imaging of the entire skeleton and EOS reconstructions. Surface topographic imaging data was obtained using the 3dMD body system (3dMD Atlanta, GA), and measure-ments were computed using an automated analysis pipeline as described by Groisser et al 11 On the basis of Groisser's findings, only highly reliable ST measures obtained in the standing EOS Pose (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.7) were included: 11 maximum back surface rotation (Fig. 1A), back area asymmetry, C7 angle, torso volume asymmetry (Fig.…”

“…demonstrated reliability for assessing deformity, symmetry, and range of motion for IS, [9][10][11] and may be useful in objectively assessing a patient's deformity and its association with pain. A previous study identified that Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22r mental health and self-image domains correlate poorly with surface topographical measures of deformity; 12 however, the pain domain was not assessed.…”

“…The correlation between biopsychosocial factors, self-image, and pain in IS begs the question of whether there is an objective aspect of physical deformity that is linked to pain or if the correlation is more reliant on a patient’s perception of his or her image. Surface topography (ST) has demonstrated reliability for assessing deformity, symmetry, and range of motion for IS, 9–11 and may be useful in objectively assessing a patient’s deformity and its association with pain. A previous study identified that Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22r mental health and self-image domains correlate poorly with surface topographical measures of deformity; 12 however, the pain domain was not assessed.…”

3D Surface Topographic Optical Scans Yield Highly Reliable Global Spine Range of Motion Measurements in Scoliotic and Non-Scoliotic Adolescents

“…Surface scan images of relevant frames are reconstructed into 3D full body models by 3dDM software. Surface scans were processed using a fully automated analysis pipeline previously described by Groisser et al to enable objective surface landmark detection and measurements [ 19 ]. Briefly, an annotated template mesh model is fitted to each surface scan, allowing the same landmarks to be identified on all patient scans.…”

Development and validation of a semi-automated measurement tool for calculating consistent and reliable surface metrics describing cosmesis in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

“…As a step in this direction, 3D surface scanning (3DSS) has garnered significant interest within the scoliosis community in recent years. Accuracy, reliability and validity have been investigated for full body scanners 41 – 43 , multi-component scanning systems 44 – 51 and handheld scanners 52 – 54 and the resultant reconstructed 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) models have begun to be used to assess AIS cosmesis. Of these, portable handheld scanners are of particular interest as they have a high geometric accuracy 53 and can potentially be widely and easily adopted into regular clinical practice and telehealth initiatives.…”