Qualifying the Variability of Surface Topography Indices for Detection of Clinical Progression of Scoliosis

Surface topography (ST) measurements of scoliotic deformities offer the potential to reduce radiation and to provide a more complete description of the deformity when compared to standard X-rays. These ST measurements must be evaluated within a clinical context to determine their feasibility for clinical and research applications. This study quantifies the variability in a set of developed ST indices and estimates a magnitude of clinically important difference based on current clinical standards. The variability is compared to the clinically important difference to determine if the system is adequate for clinical implementation (individual evaluation) or research implementation (group-to-group comparisons). Nine of ten ST indices were found acceptable for typical research implementation. One of ten ST indices (aspect ratio) was found acceptable for typical clinical implementation. Aspect ratio also shows a trend towards differentiating between progressed and non-progressed scoliosis. However, the estimation of what constitutes clinically important difference should be examined further.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Graduate Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Dubetz, Tyler Paul Arthur

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Ronsky, Janet

• Medicine and Surgery
• Engineering--Biomedical
• Engineering--Mechanical

Statement dc:rights

• University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/27490

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:11023/403