Determining 3D scapular orientation with scapula models and biplane 2D images

This study evaluated a strategy for identifying 3D scapulothoracic orientation using bilateral X-ray scans and 3D scapula models. Both subject-specific scapula models and a scaled general model were utilized. 3D scapulothoracic orientations obtained from X-rays were compared to motion capture data. “Subjects” consisted of a skeletal model of a human torso and ten real bone scapulae. Retroreflective markers were placed on the scapulae and a three-marker triad was placed on the trunk. Marker positions were recorded using an eight camera motion capture system. A biplane X-ray system from EOS Imaging was used to collect two orthogonal 2D images of the skeleton and markers. Custom software was created for the 3D to 2D matching process. The results indicated that the matched orientations compared favorably to motion capture orientations, with RMSE errors ranging from 3.1° to 5.5° and a mean error of 3.9° The proposed strategy was shown to be accurate for both subject-specific models and a scaled general model.