DETECTION OF CURVATURES AND TORSIONS IN THE SPINAL COLUMN THROUGH QUANTITIVE TRIDIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

This paper introduces a method for quantitative and tridimensional analysis of the spinal column in a static position. The method utilizes stereoscopic photographic

registers, image measurement in digitalized table and data analysis using software developed in arder to supply quantitative results in the formal of graphs representing the 3D curvatures and geometrical torsions of the spinal column. The method was applied to thee voluntary subjects who, before having their photographic registers taken, were submitted to a clinicai posture evaluation. A total of twenty anatomic points were marked with contrasting adhesive disks. The points of reference wentfrom the occipital basis until the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra. The results are presented in six graphs for each subject. Two graphs represent the polynomial projection of the spinal column curves in the sagital and frontal planes. Two other graphs represent the bidimensional curvatures in the same planes. One graph represents the 3D curvature and the last one represents the geometric 3D torsion. ln ali these graphs the variables are represented infunction of the vertical coordinate. This method successfully detected inwhich regions of the spinal co/umn 3D curvatures and geometrical torsions occur. lt enab/es the users to quantify, with accuracy, spinal co/umn deformities, such as, lordosis, kyphosis and scoliosis.