Three-dimensional imaging of the spine using the EOS system: is it reliable? A comparative study using computed...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Accurate spinal geometry measurement is crucial for diagnosing and managing spinal deformities.
• Computed tomography (CT) is a standard imaging modality, but involves radiation exposure.
• The EOS imaging system offers low-dose, 3D imaging in a standing position.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the precision of the EOS imaging system for measuring spinal geometry, specifically apical vertebral orientation.
• To compare the precision of EOS imaging with traditional CT scans for spinal measurements.
• To assess the reliability of EOS-based vertebral rotation measurements in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent both EOS imaging and CT scanning of the spine.
• Measurement of apical vertebral orientation, Cobb angle, and vertebral rotation/translation using both EOS and CT.
• Comparison of measurements obtained from EOS (standing) and CT (supine) to identify discrepancies.

Main Results:

• Average apical vertebral orientation measurements showed a slight difference between EOS (9.3°) and CT (6.6°), though not statistically significant (P=0.65).
• The precision of EOS-based vertebral rotation measurements has not been extensively tested in clinical practice prior to this study.
• Despite positional differences (standing vs. supine), EOS measurements demonstrated comparability to CT findings.

Conclusions:

• The EOS imaging system provides results for spinal geometry that are comparable to those obtained with CT scans.
• EOS imaging shows potential as a precise and potentially lower-dose alternative for evaluating spinal deformities.
• Further clinical validation is warranted, but initial findings suggest EOS is a reliable tool for assessing vertebral rotation.