The in vivo assessment of thoracic vertebral shape from MRI data using a shape model
Meakin, JR; Hopkins, SJ; Clarke, A
Date: 12 June 2019
Article
Journal
Spine Deformity
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher DOI
Abstract
Study design
Feasibility study on characterising thoracic vertebral shape from magnetic resonance images
using a shape model.
Objectives
Assess the reliability of characterising thoracic vertebral shape from magnetic resonance
images and estimate the normal variation in vertebral shape using a shape model.
Summary of background ...
Study design
Feasibility study on characterising thoracic vertebral shape from magnetic resonance images
using a shape model.
Objectives
Assess the reliability of characterising thoracic vertebral shape from magnetic resonance
images and estimate the normal variation in vertebral shape using a shape model.
Summary of background data
The characterisation of thoracic vertebrae shape is important for understanding the initiation
and progression of deformity and in developing surgical methods. Methods for characterising
shape need to be comprehensive, reliable and suitable for use in vivo.
Methods
Magnetic resonance images of the thoracic vertebrae were acquired from 20 adults. Repeat
scans were acquired, after repositioning the participants, for T4, T8 and T12. Landmark points
were placed around the vertebra on the images and used to create a shape model. The
reliability was assessed using relative error (E%) and intra-class correlation (ICC). The effect of
vertebral level, sex and age on vertebral shape was assessed using repeated measures analysis
of variance.
Results
Five modes of variation were retained from the shape model. Reliability was excellent for the
first two modes (mode 1: E% = 7, ICC = 0.98; mode 2: E% = 11, ICC = 0.96). These modes
described variation in the vertebral bodies, the pedicle width and orientation, and the facet
joint position and orientation with respect to the pedicle axis. Variation in vertebral shape was
found along the thoracic spine and between individuals, but there was little effect of age and
sex.
Conclusions
Magnetic resonance images and shape modelling provides a reliable method for characterising
vertebral shape in vivo. The method is able to identify differences between vertebral levels and
between individuals. The use of these methods may be advantageous for performing repeated
measurements in longitudinal studies.
Physics and Astronomy
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
Item views 0
Full item downloads 0