Vertebral Metrics: Scapula Evaluation

Abstract

Abstract The normal function of the shoulder is deeply dependent on the adequate and proper motion of the scapula. In its turn, the abnormal alignment of the thoracic and cervical portions of the spine, like the excessive thoracic kyphosis and cervical lordosis, alters the resting position of the scapula. Therefore, the comparison between the spine's curvatures and the blades’ position can be an important contribution for the identification and prevention of pathologies related to the shoulder. The Vertebral Metrics is an innovative instrument that aims at the global evaluation of the spinal column. Noninvasively and semi-automatically, this image processing based system allows the measurement of the x, y, and z positions of each spinous process, on a standing position. This project aims at the evolution of this device, in order to provide the measurement of the three-dimensional position of the scapulae. According to Dr Jose Machado, physiatrist, the results show that the Vertebral Metrics has sufficient detection efficiency for the global and simultaneous analysis of the spinal column and the shoulder girdle, since it was able to acquire the x, y and z coordinates of each spinous process and of scapular references located on each scapula.