Rasterstereographic Measurements Research Articles

Association between constitution, axiography, orthodontic cast analysis, and upper body posture in women aged 31 to 40 years

ObjectiveWhether it is primarily the spine that reacts with pain to the negative consequences of everyday stress and possibly the temporomandibular system as a result (ascending chain), or whether incorrect stress in the dental area has an influence on body geometry (descending chain), is still a controversially discussed topic. The aim of this study is to investigate possible relationships between constitutional, axiographic, and dental parameters with upper body posture.Material and methodsA total of 106 subjectively healthy women between 31 and 40 years of age voluntarily participated in this study. Data collection was done by filling out a questionnaire with constitutional and anamnestic parameters and by evaluating orthodontic casts, axiographic measurements, and video raster stereographic measurements. These data were analyzed using correlations and group comparisons, with the significance level set at p ≤ 0.05.ResultsPositive correlations were shown between the constitutional factors of body weight and BMI and the lumbar bending angle (p = 0.01), the kyphosis angle (p = 0.001), and lordosis angle (weight p = 0.05; BMI p = 0.03). In the cast analysis, regardless of the direction of the midline shift (left/right/none), a left lateral tilt can be seen which is greatest at 2.12° with a left midline shift. In addition, the elevated pelvic side correlates with the side of the displacement of the jaw, with the stronger manifestation being on the left side. With a vertical anterior bite in the normal range, the kyphosis angle is 48.09°, while with a deep bite, it is 60.92°, and with an open bite, it is 62.47°; thus, the group in the normal range differs significantly (p = 0.01) from the other two. The greater the protrusion, the smaller the sagittal plane angles (kyphosis angle, lumbar bending angle, each p = 0.03), and the more dorsal the posture (p = 0.04). The lordosis angle differs significantly (p = 0.001) between the group of subjects with a protrusion in the normal range (52.34°) and the group with an increased advancement of the mandible (41.79°).ConclusionThere is a correlation between body weight, BMI, midline shift, and protrusion, as well as the vertical anterior step and upper body posture in women between 31 and 40 years of age. Interdisciplinary functional examinations of the temporomandibular musculature, and also sustained orthodontic treatment, can contribute to an improvement in upper body posture.

Meta-analysis of the validity and reliability of rasterstereographic measurements of spinal posture.

We provide a meta-analysis for clinicians and researchers regarding reliability and validity of rasterstereographic measurement of the spinal posture. A comprehensive PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) literature search identified 19 eligible studies evaluating reliability and validity of static rasterstereographic measurements in healthy subjects and patients with different spinal pathologies. Our meta-analysis suggests that rasterstereography is a reliable and valid instrument to assess spinal posture parameters, especially thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and scoliosis, reliability overall effect sizes rs > .91, ps < .001, validity overall effect sizes rs > 70, ps < .001, when compared to traditional radiological imaging techniques. Validity is higher in scoliosis patients compared with healthy controls. Limitations are a lack of reported statistics of the included studies and small sample sizes. The first meta-analysis on reliability and validity of rasterstereography shows satisfactory results. Rasterstereography thus presents a reliable and valid alternative to classic radiological imaging technique to assess and evaluate spinal posture in patients with spinal pathologies. Further studies are needed, focusing on the measurement properties of both static and dynamic rasterstereographic measurements.

Is there any use? Validity of 4D rasterstereography compared to EOS 3D X-ray imaging in patients with degenerative disk disease.

Previous studies of 4D rasterstereography show a high intra- and interday reliability. However, only few studies validate rasterstereography to conventional X-ray imaging. We utilized EOS X-ray imaging system (EOS Imaging, Paris, France) for accurate 3D spinal modeling and compared the results to parameters obtained by 4D rasterstereography. The aim of the present study was to validate 4D rasterstereography in patients with degenerative disk disease (DDD). Thirty-four individuals with DDD (female = 22 and male = 12) were included. EOS X-ray images were analyzed to determine spinal [lumbar lordosis (LL) and thoracic kyphosis (TK)] and pelvic parameters [pelvic obliquity (PO) and pelvic axial rotation (PR)]. Patients received 4D rasterstereographic measurements on the same day as EOS imaging. Parameters obtained by rasterstereography were compared to those obtained by EOS X-ray imaging. We used Bland and Altman's test as well as Pearson test to validate rasterstereography. Additionally, we calculated interrater reliability of EOS X-ray analysis using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Our data showed only weak correlation between 4D rasterstereography and EOS X-ray imaging for spinal parameters (LL and TK). Pelvic parameters (PO and PR) showed no correlation. Interrater correlation reliability for EOS analysis was excellent (ICC > 0.8). Our data suggest that rasterstereographic systems are no reliable substitute for X-ray-based imaging systems in patients with degenerative disk disease. EOS imaging was shown to provide reliable and accurate spinal modeling. Based on our results, rasterstereographic imaging should be used with caution for evaluating spinal and pelvic parameters in patients with DDD. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Spinal postural changes during the modified Matthiass test in healthy children : Interday and interrater reliability of dynamic rasterstereographic measurements.

The Matthiass test serves to identify postural insufficiencies by evaluating the sagittal posture but this subjective assessment may be responsible for different reports on the prevalence of postural insufficiencies in children. Previously, rasterstereography was used to objectify this clinical test. Until now, the coupling of the Matthiass test with rasterstereography has not yet been applied to children and the reliability is unknown; therefore, the objective of our study was to provide interday and interrater reliability of rasterstereographic measurements during dynamic (modified Matthiass test) and static trials (only interday) in healthy children. Trunk inclination, kyphotic, and lordotic angles were measured using rasterstereography during static and dynamic trials (modified Matthiass test: 90° shoulder flexion, hand-held load, 5% of body weight). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated using atwo-way mixed model (absolute agreement, average measure). In this study 21healthy children were assessed (age range 10-12years). Dynamic rasterstereographic measurements showed fair to good interday and interrater reliability (ICC 0.46-0.70) and static measurements good to excellent interday reliability (ICC 0.63-0.91). Dynamic rasterstereography during the modified Matthiass test furnishes reliable data serving to objectify spinal changes of healthy children and detect postural insufficiencies. Additional efforts are needed to investigate how the early detection of postural insufficiencies can help to prevent back pain in children, adolescents and adults.

Rasterstereographic measurement of scoliotic deformity.

BackgroundBack surface topography has gained acceptance in recent decades. At the same time, the motivation to use this technique has increased. From the view of the patient, the cosmetic aspect has played and still plays a major role as it provides a comprehensive documentation of cosmetic impairment. From the view of the medical practitioner, the aspect of reducing X-ray exposures in diagnosis and follow-up has been dominant and still prevails. Meanwhile, new aspects have emerged: due to the consequent three-dimensional view of the scoliotic condition, treatment success can be visualized convincingly. Clinical diagnosis is supported by information otherwise not supplied by X-rays, such as when functional examinations and diagnostic tests are recorded.MethodsLike rasterstereography, most techniques of actual back surface measurement refer to photogrammetry and the triangulation method. However, with respect to the particular clinical application, a wide spectrum of implementations exists. Applications in a clinic require high accuracy of measurement in a short time and comprehensive analysis providing data to be used to supplement and compare with radiographic data. This is exemplified by rasterstereography; the procedures of surface analysis and localization of landmarks using curvatures and the reconstruction of the spinal midline will be described.Orthopaedic relevanceBased on rasterstereographic analysis, different geometrical measures that characterize the back surface are given and underlying skeletal structures described. Furthermore, in analogy to radiological projection, a 3-D reconstruction of the spinal midline is visualized by a frontal and lateral projection, allowing comparison with pertinent X-rays.ConclusionsSurface topography and, in particular, rasterstereography provide reliable and consistent results that may be used to reduce X-ray exposure. Unfortunately, the correlation of shape parameters with the radiological Cobb angle is poor. However, the wealth of additional applications substantially enhances the spectrum of clinical value.

Evaluation of a Novel Spine and Surface Topography System for Dynamic Spinal Curvature Analysis during Gait

IntroductionThe assessment of spinal deformities with rasterstereography can enhance the understanding, as well as can reduce the number of x-rays needed. However, to date this technique only allows measurements under static conditions. Since it would be of great value to be able to also analyze the spine in dynamic conditions, the present study evaluated a novel rasterstereographic system.Materials and MethodsA new rasterstereographic device was evaluated in a comparison with the gold standard in motion analysis, the VICON system. After initial testing using 12 flat infrared markers adhered to a solid plate, the two systems were evaluated with the markers adhered onto the backs of 8 test subjects. Four triangles were defined using the markers, and the sides of each triangle were measured under static and dynamic conditions.ResultsOn the solid plate, the sides of the 4 triangles were measured with a measuring tape and then by the two optical systems. Rasterstereography showed a high accuracy in marker detection on the solid plate. Under dynamic conditions, with the subjects walking on a treadmill, the rasterstereographically-measured side lengths were compared with the lengths measured by the VICON system as an assessment of marker detection. No significant differences (p>0.05) were found between the systems, differing only 0.07–1.1% for all sides of the four triangles with both systems.DiscussionA novel rasterstereographic measurement device that allows surface and spine topography under dynamic conditions was assessed. The accuracy of this system was with one millimeter on a solid plate and during dynamic measurements, to the gold standard for motion detection. The advantage of rasterstereography is that it can be used to determine a three-dimensional surface map and also allows the analysis of the underlying spine.

Rasterstereographic analysis of axial back surface rotation in standing versus forward bending posture in idiopathic scoliosis

The forward bending test according to Adams and rib hump quantification by scoliometer are common clinical examination techniques in idiopathic scoliosis, although precise data about the change of axial surface rotation in forward bending posture are not available. In a pilot study the influence of leg length inequalities on the back shape of five normal subjects was clarified. Then 91 patients with idiopathic scoliosis with Cobb-angles between 20 degrees and 82 degrees were examined by rasterstereography, a 3D back surface analysis system. The axial back surface rotation in standing posture was compared with that in forward bending posture and additionally with a scoliometer measurement in forward bending posture. The changes of back shape in forward bending posture were correlated with the Cobb-angle, the level of the apex of the scoliotic primary curve and the age of the patient. Averaged over all patients, the back surface rotation amplitude increased from 23.1 degrees in standing to 26.3 degrees in forward bending posture. The standard deviation of this difference was high (6.1 degrees ). The correlation of back surface rotation amplitude in standing with that in forward bending posture was poor (R (2)=0.41) as was the correlation of back surface rotation in standing posture with the scoliometer in forward bending posture measured rotation (R (2)=0.35). No significant correlation could be found between the change of back shape in forward bending and the degree of deformity (R (2)=0.07), likewise no correlation with the height of the apex of the scoliosis (R (2)=0.005) and the age of the patient (R (2)=0.001). Before forward bending test leg length inequalities have to be compensated accurately. Compared to the standing posture, forward bending changes back surface rotation. However, this change varies greatly between patients, and is independent of the type and degree of scoliosis. Furthermore remarkable differences were found between scoliometer measurement of the rib hump and rasterstereographic measurement of the vertebral rotation. Therefore the forward bending test and the identification of idiopathic scoliosis rotation by scoliometer can be markedly different compared to rasterstereographic surface measurement in the standing posture.