Spinal Motion Analysis Research Technology
ClaritySMART is a Java program for analysis of lumbar segmental motion from spine radiographs.
ClaritySMART calculates several parameters of spinal kinematics, including rotation, translation and finite centre of rotation using extension and flexion x-rays.
The methods are based on the work of Pearcy, Bogduk and Schneider (1988, 1995, 1999), Frobin and colleagues (1994, 1996, 1997, 1998), and our own method (McCane, Abbott and King, 2004a&b)
Using extension and flexion x-rays, translation and rotation of vertebrae are calculated using the different methods. The Schneider method places trapezoids inside of the vertebrae and uses them to make calculations. The Frobin method uses the corner points on the vertebra for calculations. Our method uses splines to define the vertebrae and for the calculations.
Collaboration
We invite potential collaborators in clinical or experimental biomechanical research to contact us. We can also can analyse radiographs for interested parties (either for a fee or as co-authors of research). Please contact either Haxby Abbott or Brendan McCane
References
Bogduk, N., B. Amevo, et al. (1995). "A biological basis for instantaneous centres of rotation of the vertebral column." Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part H - Journal of Engineering in Medicine 209(3), pp 177-83.
Brinckmann, P., W. Frobin, et al. (1994). "Quantification of overload injuries to thoracolumbar vertebrae and discs in persons exposed to heavy physical exertions or vibration at the workplace." Clinical Biomechanics 9 (Suppl.1), pp S1-S83.
Frobin, W., P. Brinckmann, et al. (1997). "Precision measurement of disc height, vertebral height and sagittal plane displacement from lateral radiographic views of the lumbar spine." Clinical Biomechanics 12 (Suppl 1), pp S1-S63.
Frobin, W., P. Brinckmann, et al. (1996). "Precision measurement of segmental motion from flexion-extension radiographs of the lumbar spine."Clinical Biomechanics 11(8), pp 457-465.
Leivseth, G., P. Brinckmann, et al. (1998). "Assessment of sagittal plane segmental motion in the lumbar spine. A comparison between distortion-compensated and stereophotogrammetric roentgen analysis." Spine 23(23), pp 2648-55.
B. McCane, J. Haxby Abbott and T. King, "On Calculating the Finite Centre of Rotation for Rigid Planar Motion", Medical Engineering and Physics. To appear. pdf.
McCane, B., King, T., Abbott, J.H. (details to come)
Pearcy, M. J. and N. Bogduk (1988). "Instantaneous axes of rotation of the lumbar intervertebral joints." Spine 13(9), pp 1033-41.
Schneider, G. (1999). Instantaneous centres of rotation, centres of reaction, and true translation of lumbar segments: Normative data and reliability. MMedSc thesis, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
Schneider, G. and N. Bogduk (2000). Evaluation of new method for determining translation of lumbar spinal segments. Proceedings of the Spine Society of Australia 2000 Conference, Adelaide, SA, Australia.