True 3D parameters of the spinal deformity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Spinal deformities in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are measured on 2D radiographs. Due to the 3D nature of the curve in AIS, such 2D measurements fail to differentiate between the true curve patterns, which in turn may adversly impact the clinical care and surgical planning. The use of 3D models of the spinal radiographs largely remains limited to the 3D measurements of the 2D parameters. The use of the true 3D variables of the spinal curves in describing the differences between the AIS patients is not fully explored.

A cohort of 141 Lenke 1 AIS with two-view spinal stereoradiographs and 3D models of the spines were included. The 3D model of the spine was used to determine the spinal centerlines. The writhe and torsion of the 3D centerlines, which, respectively, quantify the coiling and twist of the curve, were calculated using differential geometry. Patients were clustered based on the writhe and torsion values to determine the patient groups with significantly different 3D curve characteristics. The relationship between the writhe and torsion was statistically determined. The distribution of the writhe and torsion groups between the lumbar modifier types was determined.

Two writhe and two torsion clusters were determined. Lumbar orientation of plane of maximum curvature (PMC) was significantly different between the torsion clusters and thoracic and lumbar PMC and thoracic Cobb angles were significantly different between the writhe groups, p < 0.05. More than 50% of the patients had high writhe and low torsion except for Lumbar modifier C that mainly belonged to the low writhe group.

Two geometrical parameters of the spinal centerline determine true 3D characteristics of the scoliotic curves. The parameters were complimentary and weakly correlated, quantifying different characteristics of the scoliotic spines.