The Vertebral Vector in a Horizontal Plane. A Simple Way to See in 3D.
The Vertebral Vector in a Horizontal Plane. A Simple Way to See in 3D.
The diagnosis and classification of scoliosis are almost exclusively based on frontal and
 lateral radiographs. Current classifications of adolescent or adult idiopathic degenerative
 scoliosis are based only on the 2D approach. The classifications consider only the lateral
 deviation and the sagittal alignment and completely ignore all the changes (the axial
 vertebral rotation and the lateral translation etc ...) in the horizontal plane.

 The demand for an accurate assessment of the vertebral rotation in scoliosis is not new.
 Biplane x-ray images provide insufficient quantitative or qualitative information on the
 anatomical landmarks needed to determine axial rotation. Several measurement methods have
 been published, all of which are based on the evaluation of the relative positions of various
 posterior vertebral elements. The Perdriolle torsiometer is currently the most accepted
 method in clinical practice, but its reproducibility is very limited and can not be
 quantified accurately.The horizontal plane deviations are more accurately evaluated by the CT
 scan, but the systematic use of this method is limited because of its relatively high cost
 and excessive radiation dose. Expert opinion is also divided on the veracity and
 reproducibility of CT scan for such measurements.

 Given the absence of a definitive and reproducible measurement method for 3D characterization
 of the vertebral columnar deformities, the investigators introduced the concept and system of
 vertebral vectors.The vertebral vector technique is currently the only technique in the world
 that allows the visualization of vertebral column deformities by analyzing each vertebral
 body and defining characteristic mathematical and geometric parameters that uniquely
 characterize each vertebrae. A new digital radioimaging technique based on a low dose X-ray
 detection technology simultaneously creates frontal and lateral whole body radiographic
 images captured in a standing position, which is the basis of visualization of the vertebral
 vector.

 To examine the two phenotypes of scoliosis, it is necessary to collect the radiological data
 specific to the disease. After generating the vertebral vectors and obtaining the
 three-dimensional coordinates, an analysis and an exact mathematical description will be
 performed. The projections of the curves in the three planes will also be analyzed, with
 particular attention to the projections in the horizontal planes. Based on the mathematical
 models and the axial projection of the curves, a new three-dimensional classification can be
 imagined for the first time not only for adolescent scoliosis, but also for adult
 degenerative scoliosis.

 The main objective of this study is to develop new evidence-based treatments based on the
 unambiguous understanding of 3D features of vertebral columnar deformities.
Inclusion Criteria:

 Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis or adult degenerative scoliosis, treated or
 untreated, radiographed with the EOS system

 Exclusion Criteria:

 None