We aim to find a visual and intelligent approach to measure spine morphology.

This study first proposed an image-based method, and evaluated the feasibility through a proof-of-principle experiment and a real test. The method adopts a "single camera, multi-view" system scheme for later application to portable devices. In the proof-of-principle experiment, a camera was used to measure the three-dimensional coordinates of a series of markers drawn on paper which were attached to the board, so as to verify the feasibility and accuracy of the method. The real trial collected data from 11 patients of the department of Orthopaedics, Changhai Hospital from June 2018 to December 2018. Their clinical features and full-length positive lateral radiographs were analyzed and coronary Cobb angles were measured by the method and surgimap software. The effectiveness of the method was evaluated.

In the proof-of-principle experiment, it was considered that use of five images was the optimal strategy for measuring Cobb angles, and the error values of the Cobb angles of the XOY and YOZ planes were controlled within 1° and 2° respectively, with an accuracy of 1°. The real test results showed that the method had a credibility to measure the Cobb angle of the coronal plane, but it needed further optimization for specific applications.

Compared with X-ray, the method had similar precision and lower cost, it was easy to popularize and use as well as harmless to the human body. It provided an objective basis for future household or community-based spine monitoring. It also had dynamic information feedback, showing good application prospects.