Development of vertebral metrics: an instrument to study the vertebral column

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present a new instrument to study the vertebral column. This device is an evolution from Vertebral Metrics (Quaresma, 2010). In this new device, the detection of the spinous process is semi-automatic, non-invasive and it is prepared to analyse the entire population. The data acquired from the instrument will allow three dimensional analysis of the vertebral column in standing position. With this instrument, hospital staff will be able to study biomechanical changes in the vertebral column due to incorrect exercise, injury, congenital malformations, obesity, pregnancies, etc. The device uses a system of movement in two axes that is controlled by software. The software uses a video camera and image processing algorithm to detect points that were previously marked in the spinous process of the individual under study. The software gives orders to the mechanic part to move the equipment to position the mark made by laser upon the spinous process. In these conditions, the spatial coordinates of the spinous process are stored and the process is repeated for the others spinous processes. A complete examination takes approximately 2 minutes and 25 seconds after manual tracing of the spine and improving is being made to the software to reach the 30 seconds mark. This instrument has the possibility of performing consecutive sweeps, for dynamic accommodation studies.