Spine curve modeling for quantitative analysis of spinal curvature.

Spine curvature and posture are important to sustain healthy back. Incorrect spine configuration can add strain to muscles and put stress on the spine, leading to low back pain (LBP). We propose new method for analyzing spine curvature in 3D, using CT imaging. The proposed method is based on two novel concepts: the spine curvature is derived from spinal canal centerline, and evaluation of the curve is carried out against a model based on healthy individuals. We show results of curvature analysis of healthy population, pathological (scoliosis) patients, and patients having nonspecific chronic LBP.