Reliability analysis of an innovative technology for the assessment of spinal abnormalities

Abstract

Rasterstereography represents a viable alternative as screening tool for the analysis of the spinal abnormalities due to the advantages in comparison with the invasiveness of the radiology. In the last decade, several technologies have been proposed to accomplish with this aim. However, the reliability of such approach is still questioned. Tests were conducted on nine male healthy subjects, asking them to maintain four different upright positions while data was acquired by SPINE3D. Tests were repeated three times for each session, and three sessions were performed one week apart. The technologies allowed to compute indices related to transversal, sagittal and frontal plane associated with the spine posture of the subject. Reliability of the computed indices was performed only for the natural static position by using the inter-class correlation coefficient for both the intra and inter-day reliability. The results showed excellent intra-day and inter-day reliability in almost all analyzed parameters. Lower values emerged for pelvic torsion and trunk imbalance; whereas Trunk length proved to be the most reliable. Differences between NP and other positions were observed in some indices, such as pelvic and shoulder inclination, trunk length and kyphotic angle. These findings can open the possibility to use the SPINE3D as a clinical tool, also for follow-up.