A 3D active shape model for the evaluation of the alignment of the spine during sleeping

This paper explains how the shape of the spine can be evaluated from back surface measurements in a recumbent position, by using point distribution models (PDM) and typical shape variability of the spine in a lateral sleeping position. CT-scans of 12 volunteers were taken in this posture on a firm and a soft sleeping system to provide a training set for the PDM. Active shape models (ASM) were used to enhance the accuracy of the spinal reconstruction from measurements by limiting the shape of the spine to characteristic shapes from a biomechanical and/or clinical point of view. A comparison was made between calculated shapes, obtained from surface measurements, and those measured vertebral body centres (from CT-scans). An RMS accuracy of 2.6 mm was obtained in 3D, and 1.8 mm in frontal view, which was sufficient to compare spinal deformations of a subject on different sleeping systems.