A comparison of scoliotic and non-scoliotic thoracic vertebral shape
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Thoracic vertebral shape: comparison of scoliotic and non-scoliotic vertebrae using magnetic resonance images and statistical shape modelling
IRAS ID
277696
Contact name
Judith R Meakin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Scoliosis is a type of spinal deformity involving abnormal lateral curvatures. It affects children and adults of all ages within the UK. Understanding how the deformity forms and subsequently progresses is an important question that needs to be answered to improve the management and treatment of patients with scoliosis.
Previous studies have shown that the spinal bones (the vertebrae) often change shape in scoliosis, but these studies are limited in how they have assessed the shape. We propose using a sophisticated image analysis method that can comprehensively analyse the shape of complex shapes such as vertebrae.
We intend to obtain magnetic resonance images of twenty patients with scoliosis and compare the shape of their vertebrae to those from people who do not have scoliosis. The results of this will allow us to identify the key differences in vertebral shape and will underpin subsequent studies to assess how the shapes progress over time, allowing us to learn more about the factors that initiate and progress the deformity. This could potentially lead to better methods for diagnosing or monitoring scoliosis that ultimately improves patient management and treatment.REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/SW/0106
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jul 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion