title: Follow-up of the sagittal spine by optical technique.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Report the use of an optical technique for individual monitoring of the sagittal morphology of the spine in an upright position while avoid irradiation.
  
  
  METHODS
  The series consists of 15 asymptomatic subjects and 326 cases with spinal disorders. Sagittal analysis is expressed by the global trunk tilt (GTT), the intensity of the curves and their level of inflection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The confidence interval is 2 to 3° and 3 to 6mm according to the parameters. A significant correlation was observed for the global axis measured by optical or radiological techniques. Variations in intensity and proportion of thoracic and lumbar sagittal curves were observed according to the disease, as well as their evolution over a period of 5 to 30 months. Various "strategies" of adaptation have been observed during repeated examinations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This non-radiating technique allows to be repeated after initial X-rays, for regular monitoring of a disturbance or a therapeutic effect. Its understandable imaging allows the patient to be aware of his situation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This optical technique is reliable and safe for monitoring the sagittal balance while helping further therapeutic target.
authors.affiliation: Service de chirurgie orthopédique, cliniques universitaires UCL, Mont-Godinne, 1, avenue Therasse, 5530 Yvoir, Belgium. jean.legaye@uclouvain.be
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Legaye
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D001416:Back Pain / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055096:Optical Devices; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods*; D011187:Posture; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013121:Spinal Curvatures / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D055815:Young Adult