Predicting spinal column profile from surface topography via 3D non-contact surface scanning

Area of Science:

• Biomechanical analysis
• Clinical imaging
• Human posture assessment

Background:

• 3D Non-Contact surface scanning (3DSS) captures human torso 3D images for biomechanical and clinical studies.
• Understanding spinal shape and posture in healthy and pathological conditions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the efficacy and accuracy of 3DSS of the posterior torso.
• To assess spinal curvature in the lateral lying position using 3DSS.

Main Methods:

• 50 healthy adults underwent 3DSS and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
• Correlation analysis compared external surface markers (fiducial markers, 3DSS) with internal spinal column data (MRI).
• Analysis included sagittal and coronal planes, assessing distance, curvature similarity, and postural changes.

Main Results:

• Strong correlation between MRI vertebral points and external markers with BMI.
• Similar spinal curvature (k) found between MRI and external markers in most participants.
• 44% of participants showed statistically different coronal 3DSS profiles compared to MRI, with observed postural changes.

Conclusions:

• 3DSS with anatomical landmarks on spinous processes can identify spinal bone positions.
• Internal spinal curvature can be predicted from surface topography, considering subcutaneous adipose tissue.
• 3DSS provides a non-radiographic method for postural analysis in clinical and biomechanical studies.