Development of vertebral metrics: an instrument to analyse the spinal column

Abstract

In order to outline prevention and intervention strategies in the PublicHealth area it is crucial to determine the quantitative characteristics of biomechanical changes in the spinal column. Most researchers links rachialgiae aetiology to these biomechanical modifications, but these studies are limited due to the invasive nature of the technics available for quantification of the spinal column anatomic parameters. For this reasons it is important to develop non-invasive methodologies that can be applied to general population. Most of existing non-invansive techniques have the handicap of not providing an overall view of all biomechanical parameters of the spine In order to fill this gap, it was built the Vertebral Metrics, a mechanical instrument designed to identify the X, Y, and Z positions of each spine apophyses (vertebrae), in a standing position. After its validation, the need has arisen to further develop this equipment in order to automate the data acquisition reducing the acquisition time and increasing its reprodubility. Therefore, a semi-automatic and non-invasive instrument was designed to detect the position of the spine apophyses (vertebrae). The aim of this paper is to describe the automation process concerning the collection of data with Vertebral Metrics.