Quantitative analysis of scoliotic deformity by Moiré method.

The quantitative analysis of back surface deformity produced by scoliosis was carried out by the moiré method. A new computerized semi-automatic apparatus to be used for the analysis was developed. Parameters which indicate scoliotic deformity were calculated. The relations between these parameters and X-ray findings were examined. It was found that the parameters well estimated the spinal condition and could be used for an automatic diagnosis of scoliosis. Then, the effect of the treatment of scoliosis was evaluated by this analytic method. It was indicated that the improvement of deformities by treatment was not always correlated with the change of the spine on X-ray film and moiré analysis was significant as a three-dimensional evaluation procedure.