Posture Reproducibility and 3D Ultrasound Imaging of the Spine to Measure Scoliosis

Background :
Frequent monitoring of scoliosis progression is effective to define the
severity and determine the best treatment.
X-ray is the gold standard to measure the spinal curvature in scoliosis,
however, radiation exposure in X-ray limits the frequent monitoring of
scoliosis to only twice a year.
Positional variability in spinal X-ray radiography could cause the wrong
diagnosis and non-adequate or unnecessary treatment of scoliosis.
Vertebral arch surface reflection in 3D ultrasound imaging shows feasibility of
utilizing this imaging system for monitoring scoliosis progression frequently
in a safer way.
The prospective development of 3D ultrasound imaging for frequent monitoring of
scoliosis requires a reproducible standing posture procedure.

To obtain the reproducibility of the standing posture using with Der Wippe, a
balancing device, with adjustable holder and acquire the 3D ultrasound of the
spine of scoliotic patients

The study consists of two parts:
1) a posture reproducibility test applied for X-ray and ultrasound
2) a 3D ultrasound imaging of the spine taken in supine and standing positions.
Both parts are relevant for a future prospective cohort study.

This study has negligible risks and the burden is minimal. The posture
reproducibility study for X-ray as well as ultrasound will only apply safe
replica devices to mimic the real procedures. The postural movement will be
measured using body markings derived from photographs taken with commercial
digital cameras. The 3D ultrasound imaging of the spine will not impose any
radiation exposure to the subjects and have no harmful side effects. X-ray
images are not part of our study but obtained as part of standard medical
procedures in these patients. For the MRI in healthy subjects, standard
precautions are taken (MRI exclusion criteria) so that this part of the study
also has minimal risks.
The posture reproducibility measurements will be performed on the same day as
the patient has her regular appointment with the orthopedic surgeon, right
before and after the consultation time. The 3D ultrasound imaging of the spine
will be performed at a different day than the posture reproducibility test, but
also in combination with an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon. Every part
of the study will require 60 to 90 minutes per subject per session.
The physical and physiological discomfort associated with the study is very
small. Participants in the study have no direct benefit from the study. In the
long term, the results of this study may benefit the group of scoliotic
patients because a more accurate standing posture may be determined and the
amount of radiation involved in follow-up of scoliosis may be limited.