Spine pathologies detections: users’ requirements, technological development and first results.

Abstract

For spinal pathologies, especially scoliosis, early detection is essential to limit symptoms during growth and health impacts at skeletal maturity. Currently, school screening campaigns or annual medical visits are the main means of ensuring this detection. It is possible to attain a screening sensitivity of 93.8% and a sensibility of 99.2% by combining a Forward Bending Test, a scoliometer and Moiré’s topography, but due to a lack of time, of trained professionals or of access to specific tools, a majority of children are not screened.The objective of this research is to define the specifications of a massive and easy-to-use screening tool through a qualitative study to address this issue. A review of the literature, interviews and discussions with health professionals, particularly physiotherapists, helped to define the needs. Five physiotherapists and a pediatric rehabilitation physician were interviewed during semi-structured interviews. To extract the main categories of ideas and opinions expressed, the data were analyzed and coded using grounded theory. This step was intended to help us define requirements. The first results of the subsequently selected technical solution, a depth camera, and the associated software development will be presented. This prototype software for spine detection was developed and tested on an adult body.The interviews highlighted the relevance of a new tool for spine and back analysis. A tool that would provide processed information with high reliability and accuracy, combined with low cost and low processing time would be ideal for health professionals. To complement the tools already used by professionals, a solution that could give a dynamic visualization of the spine curve will be valuable. The solution developed uses a Kinect sensor capturing the patient’s back. The current software development allows the dynamic extraction of the spine line for the patient during the anterior flexion test (Adam’s test).