Development of 3-D Ultrasound System for Assessment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)

Abstract

AIS is defined as deformity of the spine in coronal plane with more than 10 degrees of Cobb’s angle. Cobb’s Method is the gold standard in monitoring patients that are susceptible to scoliosis development. The patients need to conduct an X-ray examination of the patient’s whole spine regularly every 4 to 6 months until skeletal maturity is reached. However, there are less than 1% of the screened population and less than 10% of those with curves greater than 10 degrees warrant treatment. This previous finding implies that more than 90% of patients are subject to unnecessary radiation. It is clearly necessary to have a system that can provide AIS mass screening system and longitudinal follow-up for children without the hazard of radiation.