A whole technical way of reconstructing 3D model of the scoliotic spine from two X-ray images was proposed. From the experimental results of 30 patients with mild to severe scoliosis, we can conclude that the accuracy of locating vertebrae is 0.5 mm, the orientation accuracy was 1.5. After comparing the results with those using the previous methods, we found that the method proposed in this paper can get higher resolution with less computational time, making it suitable for clinical routine use.
Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Models, Statistical ; Radiography ; Scoliosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Spine ; diagnostic imaging

In order to conduct surface monitoring of the three-dimensional spine morphology of the human body in daily life, a spine morphology measuring method using "single camera, multi-view" to construct stereo vision is proposed. The images of the back of the human body with landmarks of spinous process are captured from multiple angles by moving a single camera, and based on the "Zhang Zhengyou calibration method" and the triangulation principle of binocular stereo vision, the spatial conversion matrices corresponding to each other between all images and the 3D coordinates of the landmarks are calculated. Then the spine evaluation angle used to evaluate the spine morphology is further calculated. The tests' results showed that the spine evaluation angle error of this method is within ±3°, and the correlation between the results and the X-ray film Cobb angles is 0.871. The visual detection algorithm used in this paper is non-radioactive, and because only one camera is used in the measurement process and there is no need to pre-set the camera's shooting pose, the operation is simple. The research results of this article can be used in a mobile phone-based intelligent detection system, which will be suitable for the group survey of scoliosis in communities, schools, families and other occasions, as well as for the long-term follow-up of confirmed patients. This will provide a reference for doctors to diagnose the condition, predict the development trend of the condition, and formulate treatment plans.
Algorithms ; Calibration ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Scoliosis/diagnostic imaging* ; Spine/diagnostic imaging* ; Technology

Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Marfan Syndrome ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; Radiography ; Scoliosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo introduce a novel Cobb protractor and assess its reliability and rapidity for measuring Cobb angle in scoliosis patients.

METHODSThe novel Cobb protractor had two endplate markers. A measurement was performed just to align the two markers to each endplate of the curve. The Cobb angle on the posteroanterior radiographs of 24 patients clinically diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis was measured by three orthopedic surgeons with both standard Cobb method and the new technique, and the time of measurement was recorded. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess the reliability of the new method.

RESULTSThe time for a measurement with the new tool was approximately 10 seconds less than the time that used to finish a measurement with the standard method (P<0.05). The overall mean Cobb angle for the major curve of the 24 patients was 47.8°. The mean overall intraobserver and interobserver ICC was 0.971 and 0.971 for the Cobb method group, while the overall intraobserver ICC and the interobserver was 0.985 and 0.979 for the new tool group.

CONCLUSIONSThe novel Cobb protractor could perform quick measurement and measure almost all forms of radiographs. The Cobb protractor might be an ideal instrument to measure the Cobb angle.

Adolescent ; Child ; Equipment and Supplies ; Humans ; Radiography ; Reproducibility of Results ; Scoliosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Spine ; diagnostic imaging

BACKGROUNDAlthough previous reports had reported the use of temporary internal distraction as an aid to correct severe scoliosis, two-stage surgery strategy (less invasive internal distraction followed by posterior correction and instrumentation) has never been reported in the treatment of patients with severe spinal deformity. This study aimed to report the results of the surgical treatment of severe scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis by two-stage and analyse the safety and efficacy of this surgical strategy in the treatment of severe spinal deformities.

METHODSA total of 15 patients with severe scoliosis, kyphoscoliosis or kyphosis who underwent two-stage surgeries (less invasive internal distraction followed by posterior correction and instrumentation) were studied based on hospital records. Pretreatment radiographs and radiographs taken after first surgery (internal distraction by two small incisions), before second surgery (posterior correction, instrumentation and fusion), one week after second surgery and final follow-up were measured. Subjects were analyzed by age, gender, major coronal curve magnitude, flexibility of major curve, major sagittal curve magnitude before first surgery, after first surgery, before second surgery, after second surgery and at final follow-up. Complications related to two-stage surgeries were noted in each case.

RESULTSThe average major curve magnitude was 129.4° (range, 95° to 175°), reduced 58.9° or 45.4% after first stage surgery and reduced 30.6° or 24.6% after second stage surgery. The loss of correction during the interval between two surgeries was 7.1%. The total major coronal curve correction was 81.4° or 62.9%. At the final follow up, the average loss of correction of major coronal curve was 3.9° and the final average correction rate was 59.7%. The average major sagittal curve magnitude was 80.3° (range, 30° to 170°), and the total major sagittal curve correction was 48.2°. Loss of correction averaged 4.0° for major sagittal curve and the final correction averaged 42.2°. Clinical complications were noted in the peri-operative and long-term periods.

CONCLUSIONSTwo-stage surgery was a safe and effective surgical strategy in this difficult population. Using two-small-incision technique, the first stage surgery was less invasive. No permanent neurologic deficit was noted in this series.

Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Kyphosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Male ; Radiography ; Scoliosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation between Cobb angle and spinous process angle (SPA) on X-ray film and body surface in patients with mild to moderate adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS). To explore the possibility of linear SPA to assess scoliosis. METHODS: Retrospective study for correlation of Cobb angle and linear SPA on X-ray film. AIS patients treated and taken full spine anteroposterior X-ray from January 2019 to December 2021 were analyzed correlation of Cobb angle and linear SPA on X-ray film. Prospective study for correlation of Cobb angle and body linear SPA. AIS patients treated and taken full spine anteroposterior X-ray from December 1 to December 9 this year were analyzed correlation of Cobb angle and body linear SPA. RESULTS: A total of 113 AIS patients with age an average of (14.02±2.16) years old(ranged from 10 to 18 years old) were recruited in retrospective study, involving 26 males and 87 females;there were 71 patients with mild AIS and 42 patients with moderate AIS. Cobb angle in AIS patients was significantly inversely associated with SPA(r=-0.564, P<0.001), the linear regression equation was:Cobb angle=169.444-0.878×SPA. Cobb angles in patients with mild scoliosis were significantly and inversely associated with SPA(r=-0.269, P=0.012), the linear regression equation was:Cobb angle=46.832-0.185×SPA. Cobb angles in patients with moderate scoliosis were also clearly correlated with SPA(r=-0.417, P=0.003), the linear regression equation was:Cobb angle=113.889-0.516×SPA. Thirty-eight patients were recruited in prospective study. The mean Cobb angle and body linear SPA were(18.70±6.98)°, ranged from 11.3° to 36.0° and (170.34±4.57)°, ranged from 162.1° to 177.7° respectively. There was significantly negative correlation(r=-0.651, P<0.001), the linear regression equation is:Cobb angle=187.91-0.99×SPA. CONCLUSION Linear SPA on X-ray film or on the body was significantly negatively correlated with Cobb angles, but the regression equation fits poorly, so it's not suitable for diagnosis of scoliosis;however, linear SPA is appropriate for self-controlled assessment of scoliotic therapy or for dynamic assessment of spinal flexibility.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; Child ; Scoliosis/diagnostic imaging* ; Prospective Studies ; Retrospective Studies ; Spine/diagnostic imaging* ; Kyphosis

OBJECTIVESTo compare the sagittal profiles between thoracic idiopathic scoliosis (IS) patients with different curve progression and to determine the risk factors associated with curve progression.

METHODSA total of 83 thoracic IS patients from September 2009 to May 2010 were included in this study and were divided into 3 groups according to different curve progression. All the patients did not receive any previous treatments. There were 26 skeletally mature patients whose Risser sign were 5 degree with Cobb angle < 40° in non-curve progression group (NCP group), 29 mature patients whose Risser sign were 5 degree with Cobb angle ≥ 40° in moderate curve progression group (MCP group) and 28 immature patients whose Risser sign ≤ 3 degree with Cobb angle ≥ 40° in severe curve progression group (SCP group). Five sagittal parameters, including thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral slope (SS), pelvic incidence (PI) and pelvic tilt (PT) were measured on the lateral X-ray films. Analysis of variance was used to compare these parameters among the 3 groups.

RESULTSThe average thoracic Cobb angle was significantly smaller in NCP group when compared with MCP group (P < 0.01) or SCP group (P < 0.01), but not significantly different between the 2 latter groups (P = 0.619). The average TK was 19° ± 7° in NCP group, 13° ± 6° in MCP group and 8° ± 5° in SCP group. The average TK was significantly smaller in SCP group when compared with MCP group (P = 0.011) or NCP group (P < 0.01), while the average TK was significantly smaller in MCP group when compared with NCP group (P < 0.01). None of the other 4 parameters showed any significant difference between the 3 groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThoracic hypokyphosis is strongly associated with curve progression in thoracic IS patients. Pelvic sagittal profile may not be involved in the underlying mechanism of curve progression in thoracic IS patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Radiography ; Scoliosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the reliability of cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) and to verify the possibility in the growth evaluation of female adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients as a helpful supplementary to the Risser sign.

METHODSCoronal and lateral full-length spine X-ray film and left hand-wrist radiographs of 77 female adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis were selected from January 2010 to October 2010. The interval period between lateral length of the spine and left hand-wrist radiographs did not exceed 3 months. The CVM was assessed by a method developed by Baccetti and co-workers, whereas hand-wrist maturation was assessed by Fishman's method. The results were analyzed by Spearman correlation with patients Risser sign, chronological age, and menarche period.

RESULTSThere were strong correlations between CVM and SMI or Risser sign (r = 0.862 and 0.762, P < 0.01). While in 26 patients whose Risser sign were 0-I, the correlation between CVM and SMI was more pronounced (r = 0.761, P < 0.01), compared with the correlation between Risser sign and SMI (r = 0.641, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSCVM is a valid indicator of skeletal growth evaluation and can be used as a helpful supplementary to Risser sign.

Adolescent ; Age Determination by Skeleton ; methods ; Cervical Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; growth & development ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Reproducibility of Results ; Scoliosis ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVESTo explore the clinical significance of the transverse thoracic pedicle diameters measurement and thoracic pedicles classification in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.

METHODSThirty thoracic idiopathic scoliosis patients who were hospitalized during October 2008 and July 2009 and 20 non-scoliosis adolescents who were adopted during August 2008 and July 2009 were included in this study. Successive CT thoracic vertebrae scanning of all subjects were obtained. All participants' transverse pedicle diameters of the thoracic vertebrae were measured with the software of PACS Client. Classified the pedicle into 4 types according to the transverse pedicle diameters. In control group, the transverse pedicle diameters of bilateral thoracic vertebrae were compared using paired-t test. In AIS group, the transverse pedicle diameters of concave and convex side thoracic vertebrae were compared using paired-t test. The distribution of pedicle types were compared using Chi-Square test between the control group and AIS group.

RESULTSThe transverse pedicle diameters showed a decreasing trend from T(1) to T(4) followed by an increasing trend from T(5) to T(12) in both groups. The bilateral transverse pedicle diameters had no significant difference in the control group. The transverse pedicle diameters of the concave side at the apex of thoracic curve were found to be significantly thinner than those of convex side. The ratio of Type 4 was higher in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients than the controls, and the ratio of Type 1 was smaller in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients than the controls.

CONCLUSIONSThe thoracic pedicles in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients are often rather thinner. Preoperative CT measurement of thoracic pedicle in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis is suggested helpful in deciding the correct strategy of pedicle screw insertion and decreasing the risk of clinically relevant neurovascular complications.

Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Radiography ; Scoliosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the possible relationship between Runx2 and the low bone mass of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS) patients at the osteoblast level.

METHODSTwenty eight AIS patients (mean age 14.9 years, mean Cobb angle 57.3 degrees ) in experimental group, including 2 male and 26 female, underwent posterior instrumentation between March and December 2008. They were divided into two groups. Patients in group A maintained normal bone mineral density (BMD). Patients in group B sustained osteopenia. Normal group, including 8 patients (2 males and 6 females) with a mean age of 15.3 years, were age-matched non-scoliosis adolescents who underwent spinal surgery. BMD of the lumbar spine and proximal femur was measured by using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in three groups. Small cancellous bone samples were harvested from the iliac crest during the operation. The chipped explants were cultured to obtained the osteoblasts. P2 generation osteoblasts were analyzed to confirm the cell phenotype. Expression of mRNA and protein of Runx2 were detected by using RT-PCR and Western blot in P2 generation osteoblasts from three groups.

RESULTSThe expression of Runx2 of osteoblasts had decreased obviously in group B compared with group A and group C (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between group A and group C (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe abnormal expression of Runx2 of osteoblasts may be responsible for the low bone mass in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.

Absorptiometry, Photon ; Adolescent ; Bone Density ; Bone Diseases, Metabolic ; Humans ; Osteoblasts ; metabolism ; Scoliosis ; diagnostic imaging