Vertebral metrics: development of a third and improved prototype

Vertebral Metrics is a non-invasive system that was designed to study the biomechanical changes of the spine. Through the identification of the tridimensional position of the vertex of the spinal processes it is able to provide a 3D reconstruction of the spinal column, in the standing position. Studies with the two previous prototypes indicated that the equipment is reliable and has sufficient accuracy for the global evaluation of the spinal column, however, the required time for data collection is too long. Because of that the further development of the system has become necessary. The required steps to develop a new prototype are presented in this work. Before each scan a fluorescent dye will be used to identify the spinal processes above the skin. During a complete scan, the improved device will move upwards while is recording a video of the back. Once finished the video recording, image processing algorithms will be applied to recognize the fluorescent marks in the skin. The stereo vision method will be used to determine the spatial position of each mark. Preliminary tests were already performed using the improved system. Results are encouraging.