A human shape modeling method for quantifying inter-vertebral measurement

Justin Magee, Brian McClelland, John Winder

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

A novel, non-invasive method of imaging and measuring the entire, static, loaded spine of normal healthy individual is proposed. This method uses palpable bony landmarks, 2D digital photography and 3D computer modelling. Initial developments relate to normal subjects without spinal pathology or degeneration, for the purpose of serial monitoring.An imaging protocol has been proposed for mapping the posture of an individual to an anthropometric computer reference model, estimating their spinal shape. 2D and 3D reference models, with over 580 different measurements have been developed quantifying the average human skeletal anatomy to ±0.1mm and ±0.1°. The quantitative variation within the human skeletal spine was determined by a review of existing literature. Only study samples with documented stature or other scalable references for white males, between the ages of 19-65 years without spinal deformation were included. These findings were scaled to correspond to 2004 UK average stature data as a process of normalisation. A similar literature review and quantifiable modelling process is in progress for the biomechanical relationships of the vertebral joints and their coupling patterns. This model will be integrated with the anthropometric reference model to provide an animation hierarchy, which will limit its inter-vertebral articulation in an effort to approximate real biomechanics behaviour.To the best of our knowledge the anthropometric reference models provide the most holistic approach to quantifying the average normal human spine. A developed biomechanical model will supply a similar addition to the current body of knowledge.The context will be given as to how the imaging method, developed for normal subjects, may be applicable to subjects with spinal pathology, identifying some of the associated challenges. A 3D computer model quantifying the shape and geometry of the human spine has been produced for normal subjects and potential exists to develop a modified method for subjects with profound abnormalities of posture.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUnknown Host Publication
PublisherInstitute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 25 Jan 2007
EventInstitute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) Meeting: Human Shape: How can measurements and modelling improve outcomes for patients with profound abnormalities of posture? - York, England
Duration: 25 Jan 2007 → …

Workshop

WorkshopInstitute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) Meeting: Human Shape: How can measurements and modelling improve outcomes for patients with profound abnormalities of posture?
Period25/01/07 → …

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