A new tool by which to visualise adolescent idiopathic scoliosis as a continuous process

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a continuous process that produces a thr ee-dimensional deformity. Observation of radiographs taken at irregular int ervals fails to provide a continuous view of curve development. Morphing is a computer technique by which a 'start' image can be blended into an 'end' image. The application of this technique to sequential pairs of images col lected from a patient during visits to the clinic produces movies in which the continuous development of scoliosis can be seen. Such movies can be cre ated from radiographs, cosmesis images, or combined images where the radiog raphs have been superimposed on the cosmesis images. Real-time movies can a lso be created showing appropriate patient data to accompany the curve deve lopment. The movies have been found to be especially useful in patient educ ation but are also expected ten provide improvements in clinical management as well as information relating to the aetiology of AIS. It must always be remembered that the interpolated images are computer generated but there a re few limitations of the technique in relation to validity.