Telediagnostic 3D school screening of back curvatures and posture using structured light method - pilot study

Area of Science:

• Biomedical engineering
• Orthopedics
• Public health

Background:

• School scoliosis screening effectiveness is debated, prompting research into improved methods.
• Current practices may benefit from enhanced clinical effectiveness through advanced technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the usefulness of school screening back evaluations using a 3D telediagnostic measurement system.
• To assess the potential of 3D surface topography for measuring postural deformities and spinal curvatures.

Main Methods:

• A 3D Orthoscreen system employing structured light, temporal phase shifting, and Gray codes was used for back shape acquisition.
• Data was securely archived and accessed remotely for clinical evaluation, measuring parameters like POTSI, DAPI, kyphosis, and lordosis angles.
• A preliminary study involved 758 children aged 5-16 in two schools, with data collected and stored for analysis.

Main Results:

• The study examined 758 children (average age 11.1 years), with average back assessment parameters including POTSI (15.97%), DAPI (0.88%), kyphosis angle (10.19°), and lordosis angle (32.82°).
• Measurements of spinal parameters and deformity indexes were successfully obtained using the 3D telediagnostic system.

Conclusions:

• Technical and clinical implementation issues were identified, leading to a preliminary protocol for cohort studies.
• Postural telediagnostics demonstrated feasibility for remote, cohort-based 3D back shape evaluations, including school screening.
• The system enables permanent storage of 3D data for longitudinal monitoring of individual back surfaces.