title: A mathematical expression of three-dimensional configuration of the scoliotic spine.
abstract: Three-dimensional configuration of the scoliotic spine was mathematically expressed by a spatial curve passing through each vertebral centroid ("vertebral body line"). Three-dimensional location of the vertebral centroid was determined from digitization on the frontal and sagittal roentgenograms. Cobb angle, which is clinically used for measuring scoliosis curvature, was calculated in space to evaluate scoliosis deformity three-dimensionally. In forty-five scoliotic spines, regardless of curvature and curve patterns, the spinal configurations were excellently approximated by vertebral body lines. Vertebral body lines swerved from the sagittal plane at the end vertebrae, but aligned on a certain plane within the scoliosis region. Three-dimensional Cobb angle, which was larger than that in the frontal plane, can be utilized to evaluate the scoliosis deformity.
authors: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Japan.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Kanayama
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Tadano
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Kaneda
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Ukai
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Abumi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D011859:Radiography; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*