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Telediagnostics of Back Curvature and Posture for Elderly Patients and Remote Access to 3D Data

Authors:
Wojciech Glinkowski
Jakub Michonski
Robert Sitnik
Bozena Glinkowska
Marcin Witkowski
Andrzej Górecki

Keywords: telediagnostics; posture; kyphosis; osteoporotic vertebral compressive fracture.

Abstract:
Telemedicine services for the ageing population are expanding recently. Postural screening assessment is usually focused on children and adolescents. Elderly population is endangering on kyphotic deformations due to osteoporotic fractures. Yearly three dimensional (3D) examinations may be applicable to monitor postural deterioration among elderly. Remote assessment of back shape seems to be an option to measure kyphosis angle and postural worsening. The aim of this study is to present the archiving and assessment system and its applicability. The proposed system has two main components: measurement module with data analysis and storage one. The measurement module is based on structured light method. The technique for 3D imaging of back shape is based on temporal phase shifting and Gray codes. Acquired “images” are transferable to Telediagnostic Center. Preliminary analysis was performed on selected cases from database of patient’s cohort. The average age of analyzed patients group was 72 years. Bone mineral density in the analyzed group was below 80 mg/cm3. Kyphosis angle was measured in the range of 32 to 60 degrees, assessed by the clinical team. Shape of the elderly patient’s backs was acquired and sent over the Internet connection. Presented, originally developed system combines postural telediagnostic screening and monitoring. The development of automatic anatomical structures detection shall be able to prompt final diagnostic procedure and make draw of the trend of measured values changes over the time. The safety and procedure of presented examination method was highly accepted by elderly patients.

Pages: 175 to 179

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2011

Publication date: February 23, 2011

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4359

ISBN: 978-1-61208-119-9

Location: Gosier, Guadeloupe, France

Dates: from February 23, 2011 to February 28, 2011