ARUP; ISBN: 978-0-9562121-5-3 - CMBBE 2012 - Cardiff University

internal lumbar spinal shape was demonstrated. However, the changes of the length of
the considered spinous process line (used for the estimation of the external curvatures)
could have an impact on the model. Thus, the robustness of the prediction model was
verified using a modified length of the spinous process line (+ 0.03m).
External raduis of curvature
Figure 4 Correlation between internal and external curvatures. External curvature was estimated using two
set of data: Raw data and disturbed data (spinous process line considered in the estimation of the external
curvature was changed + 0.03m)
Figure 4 show that the modification of the considered spinous process line length
doesn’t disturb the model and the correlation still high (Figure 4).
5. CONCLUSION
It’s well known that quantitative evaluation of lumbar curvature is valuable for
determining reference values in normal and pathological conditions leading to the best
planning of surgical procedures and monitoring the progression and treatment of
deformities. The present study demonstrates a good linear relationship between internal
lumbar curvature and corresponding external back surface. Therefore, the use of the
defined model with a Motion capture systems, based on the location of fixed skin
markers on the spinous process line, would provide important kinematic information
regarding movement behaviour during rehabilitation exercises and daily life activities.
6. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Fabrice Charleux and Ludovic Robert for
the data acquisition. The research leading to these results has received funding from the
European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant
agreement n° 269909.
8. REFERENCES
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Raw
Disturbed
y = 1,65x - 2,19
R² = 0,88
y = 1,72x - 2,64
R² = 0,93
2 3 4 5 6 7
Internal raduis of curvature
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