Analysis of ISIS2 surface topography pictures in scoliotic subjects

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    The analysis of ISIS2 surface topography pictures in scoliotic subjects at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital with a comparison to standard radiographic measures of scoliosis.

  • IRAS ID

    169921

  • Contact name

    Adrian Gardner

  • Contact email

    adrian.gardner@nhs.net

  • Sponsor organisation

    The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    5 years, 5 months, 3 days

  • Research summary

    Scoliosis is a three dimensional twist in the spine and rib cage. It presents in the adolescent population with cosmetic concerns related to shape as the scoliosis causes a bent spine, asymmetries in shoulder and waist position and both rib and loin humps. Current imaging of scoliosis uses serial X-rays of the spine which gives a surgeon a 2 dimensional view of the spine. The X-rays do not give a representation of the 3 dimensional shape or a view of the external appearance of the subject to the world. Surface topography is a method of imaging the spine and external rib cage shape in 3 dimensions allowing recognition and analysis of what matters to the subject who has the deformity and what should be a major consideration of surgical management.

    There is a lack of knowledge of what the 'normal' shape of the back is in a group of subjects without scoliosis given there is always a degree of asymmetry and when that asymmetry changes from what would be accepted as normal and what becomes pathological. By comparing the averaged surface topography by age and sex from a group of school children without scoliosis and a group with scoliosis this boundary can be identified. Other benefits of this research include reduction of radiation in the monitoring of scoliosis clinically by reducing the number of X-rays and a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of the development of scoliosis deformity.

    The project is a retrospective analysis of already collected data obtained as part of the routine clinical pathway. The comparison is between an averaged shape for age and sex and data in hospital patient notes rather than direct comparison of raw data.

  • REC name

    East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    15/EM/0283

  • Date of REC Opinion

    19 Jun 2015

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion