Posture reproducibility measurement in prone position for Ultrasound scanning of the spine

This project is a part of PhD project with the topic ‘Development of ultrasound image analysis to evaluate the 3D geometry of scoliotic spine progression’.

Research affiliation : Department of BioMedical Engineering, UMCG.
Research period (First step) : 2008

Background :

-          Scoliosis progression needs to be monitored in a period of time

-          When taking measurement of spinal deformities, it is important for a patient to always have an identical and reproducible posture for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

      -    For Ultrasound imaging, the scanning is more feasible and easier to do in prone position.

Aims :

-          To develop a reproducible posture measurement in prone position for ultrasound scanning of the spine.

-          To improve the accuracy of prone posture measurement during the ultrasound scanning of the spine.

Problem definition :

-          The need of reliable and accurate posture reproducible measurement in prone position.

-          The need of a compression device to mimic the standing posture measurement in prone position during ultrasound scanning by providing load to the spine in a way that is (nearly) similar to that of the upright posture.