ArticlePloS one2023
Predicting spinal column profile from surface topography via 3D non-contact surface scanning.
Article in PloS one, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed, 8 citations in OpenAlex.
- A Fully Automated Deep Learning Pipeline for Anatomical Landmark Localization on Three-Dimensional Pelvic Surface Scans.Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Correlation/Compatibility of DIERS postural analysis data with radiographic findings in patients with idiopathic scoliosis.European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society · 2025Article
- PCdare software registers 3D back surface with biplanar radiographs: application to patients with scoliosis.Frontiers in digital health · 2025Article
- 3D Back Contour Metrics in Predicting Idiopathic Scoliosis Progression: Retrospective Cohort Analysis, Case Series Report and Proof of Concept.Children (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024Article
- Non-Invasive Assessment of Back Surface Topography: Technologies, Techniques and Clinical Utility.Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) · 2023Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
7 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
introduction3D Non-Contact surface scanning (3DSS) is used in both biomechanical and clinical studies to capture accurate 3D images of the human torso, and to better understand the shape and posture of the spine-both healthy and pathological. This study sought to determine the efficacy and accuracy of using 3DSS of the posterior torso, to determine the curvature of the spinal column in the lateral lying position.
methodsA cohort of 50 healthy adults underwent 3DSS and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to correlate the contours of the external spine surface with the internal spinal column. The correlation analysis was composed of two phases: (1) MRI vertebral points vs MRI external spine surface markers; and (2) MRI external spine surface markers vs 3DSS external spine surface markers. The first phase compared the profiles of fiducial markers (vitamin capsules) adhered to the skin surface over the spinous processes against the coordinates of the spinous processes-assessing the linear distance between the profiles, and similarity of curvature, in the sagittal and coronal planes. The second phase compared 3DSS external spine surface markers with the MRI external spine surface markers in both planes, with further qualitative assessment for postural changes.
resultsThe distance between the MRI vertebral points and MRI external spine surface markers showed strong statistically significant correlation with BMI in both sagittal and coronal planes. Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) tests showed similar no significant difference in curvature, k, in almost all participants on both planes. In the second phase, the coronal 3DSS external spine surface profiles were statistically different to the MRI external spine surface markers in 44% of participants. Qualitative assessment showed postural changes between MRI and 3DSS measurements in these participants.
conclusionThese study findings demonstrate the utility and accuracy of using anatomical landmarks overlaid on the spinous processes, to identify the position of the spinal bones using 3DSS. Using this method, it will be possible to predict the internal spinal curvature from surface topography, provided that the thickness of the overlaying subcutaneous adipose layer is considered, thus enabling postural analysis of spinal shape and curvature to be carried out in biomechanical and clinical studies without the need for radiographic imaging.
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