An innovative diagnostic procedure of vertebral deformities without exposure to X-rays.

The objective of the study was to compare standard manual X-ray measurements of vertebral deformities and values obtained from the Ortelius 800. 52 Patients (41 females and 11 males: mean age 20.35 years) with adolescent vertebral deformities, was studied. The patients were evaluated with standard radiographic views and the Ortelius 800. The parameters considered for the comparison were the angles of scoliosis and kyphosis and the values of global axial deformity, shoulder asymmetry and pelvic tilt. We also evaluated the modification of pelvic/shoulder angle after surgery (this parameter allows to evaluate vertebral rotation and can be derived only from the Ortelius 800). This study allowed us to conclude that there is a perfect agreement between measurements with the Ortelius 800 and those resulting from standard x-rays. The system has also proved to have the capability of quantifying changes in vertebral rotation.