title: Validity and reliability of a computer method to estimate vertebral axial rotation from digital radiographs.
abstract: Axial vertebral rotation, an important parameter in the assessment of scoliosis may be identified on X-ray images. In line with the advances in the field of digital radiography, hospitals have been increasingly using this technique. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the reliability of computer-processed rotation measurements obtained from digital radiographs. A software program was therefore developed, which is able to digitally reproduce the methods of Perdriolle and Raimondi and to calculate semi-automatically the rotation degree of vertebra on digital radiographs. Three independent observers estimated vertebral rotation employing both the digital and the traditional manual methods. Compared to the traditional method, the digital assessment showed a 43% smaller error and a stronger correlation. In conclusion, the digital method seems to be reliable and enhance the accuracy and precision of vertebral rotation measurements.
authors.affiliation: School of Electrical Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil. alanpp@sc.usp.br
authors.forename: Alan P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Pinheiro
authors.forename: Michelle C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Tanure
authors.forename: Anamaria S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Oliveira
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012399:Rotation; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*