COMPUTER-GRAPHICS ANALYSIS OF THE 3-DIMEN SIONAL DEFORMITIES OF SCOLIOTIC VERTEBRAE

Goal: A computer graphics method that permits the reconstruction, visu alization and measure of the vertebral deformities of the scoliotic sp ine is presented. Materials: Medical imaging techniques utilizing comp uterized tomography is at the foundation of the reconstruction techniq ue, The studied morphometric parameters are : 1) vertebral body wedgin g, 2) transverse and spinous process orientation and dimensions and 3) bilateral variation of pedicular dimensions. Results: The reconstruct ed specimen showed the usefulness of this technique for visualizing an d measuring vertebral deformities. Preliminary results seem to be in a greement with the literature concerning the deformities of scoliotic v ertebrae. Conclusion : This tool will be useful in morphometric invest igations for the evaluation of the deformations of scoliotic vertebrae .