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Comparison of three validated systems to analyse spinal shape and motion
Bettina Dreischarf1, Esther Koch1, Marcel Dreischarf1
1Berlin Institute of Health, Julius Wolff Institute for Biomechanics and Musculoskeletal Regeneration, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
Scientific Reports
|June 17, 2022
Summary
Non-invasive spinal assessment tools show moderate to high correlations but limited absolute agreement. Avoid comparing values between different devices for long-term back profile evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Technology
Background:
- Assessing spinal shape and mobility is crucial for therapy evaluation.
- Non-invasive methods are preferred to avoid radiation, especially in children.
- Comparability between different non-invasive spinal measurement tools remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the comparability of three non-invasive spinal measurement tools: Idiag M360, raster stereography, and Epionics SPINE.
- To evaluate the agreement in assessing lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, and sagittal spinal range-of-motion.
Main Methods:
- 30 healthy volunteers (15 female/15 male) were assessed using each of the three devices.
- Measurements included lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, and spinal range-of-motion in the sagittal plane.
- Statistical analysis using Pearson's correlation and significance testing (p-value) was performed.
Main Results:
- Lumbar lordosis measurements showed significant differences (p < 0.001) between devices, with moderate correlations (r=0.5-0.6).
- Thoracic kyphosis measurements between Idiag M360 and raster stereography showed no significant difference and high correlation (r=0.8).
- Lumbar mobility measurements differed significantly and showed only moderate correlation between Idiag M360 and Epionics SPINE.
Conclusions:
- While non-invasive spinal measurement systems exhibit moderate to high correlations, their absolute agreement is limited.
- Differences in angle definitions, measurement placement, and assessment type (static vs. dynamic) may explain the discrepancies.
- Inter-modal comparison of values between different non-invasive devices should be avoided for reliable long-term back profile evaluation.
