Development of next generation apparatus for measurement of curve degree in idiopathic scoliosis

This paper presents a new measurement device and evaluation system for idiopathic scoliosis. In order to prevent idiopathic scoliosis, one of the most important methods is to find the sign of scoliosis in early stage. Moiré topography system is widely used for the above purpose. However, no more alternative parts of the system are produced, and difficult to implement an evaluation system on the conventional system. In this paper, laser displacement sensor is used to measure the three-dimensional surface of the human back. The laser sensor moves on XY planes to scan the back of interest by robot cylinders. The measurement results are compared to Moiré topography image. The device is evaluated compared to Moiré topography system. Moreover, the effectiveness of positioning device is examined experimentally. The possibilities of the prototype device as a group examination device are discussed. The main purpose of the prototype device is to reduce the workload of medical specialist in diagnostic process.