Moiré topography as a screening and diagnostic tool-A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Orthopedics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Non-radiological, non-contact methods offer alternatives for diagnostic investigations.
• Moiré topography (MT) is explored as a potential substitute for radiographic spinal evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the reliability and validity of Moiré topography (MT) as a screening and diagnostic tool for spinal and trunk deviations.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies published between 2010 and March 2021 from major databases.
• Inclusion criteria focused on children/adolescents, MT measurements, comparisons with radiography (Cobb angle/scoliometer), and assessment of reliability and validity.
• Eight high-quality studies were included.

Main Results:

• Moiré topography demonstrated high repeatability and intra/interobserver correlation.
• Correlation between MT parameters and radiographic Cobb angle was moderate to high.
• Challenges exist in defining cut-off values for Surface Trunk Rotation (STR), with unsatisfactory sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions:

• Moderate evidence supports the reliability and validity of Moiré topography for screening and diagnosis of spinal deviations.
• Moiré topography does not show a clear advantage over radiography for screening idiopathic scoliosis.
• Further research is needed to establish strong evidence for MT's diagnostic accuracy.