Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the spatial position and orientation of the vertebrae hi a spinal column, comprising the following steps: taking at least one X-ray image of at least part of the spinal column; simultaneous recording of surface data (30) of at least one part of the back by means of an optical method; determining the position of elements in the bone structure by means of the X-ray image; determining the position of distinct elements (40) in the surface data; determining anatomical fixed points; superimposing the at least one X-ray taken and the surface data recorded by means of the anatomical fixed points; calculating a three-dimensional model (50) from elements of the bone structure from the surface data and the at least one X-ray image, wherein the 50 model contains the position and orientation of the vertebrae, the progression (55) of the spinal column and the spinal processes, as well as the shift (60) of the spinal process progression and the spinal column progression.

Abstract: Active contour models and active shape models were developed for the detection of the kinematics landmarks on sequential back surface measurements. The anatomical landmarks correspond with the spinous process, the dimples of the posterior superior iliac spines (PSIS), the margo mediales and the elbow. Back surface curvatures are used as a basis to guide the ACM and ASM's towards interesting landmark features on the back surface. Geometrical bending and torsion costs, and the main modes of variation of the landmark points are added to the models in order to avoid unrealistic curve shapes from a biomechanical point of view. Reconstruction of the underlying skeletal structures is performed using the surface normals as approximations for skeletal rotations (e.g. axial vertebrae rotations, pelvic torsion, etc.) and anatomical formulas to estimate skeletal dimensions.

Abstract: Active contour models and active shape models were developed for the detection of the kinematics landmarks on sequential back surface measurements. The anatomical landmarks correspond with the spinous process, the dimples of the posterior superior iliac spines (PSIS), the margo mediales and the elbow. Back surface curvatures are used as a basis to guide the ACM and ASM's towards interesting landmark features on the back surface. Geometrical bending and torsion costs, and the main modes of variation of the landmark points are added to the models in order to avoid unrealistic curve shapes from a biomechanical point of view. Reconstruction of the underlying skeletal structures is performed using the surface normals as approximations for skeletal rotations (e.g. axial vertebrae rotations, pelvic torsion, etc.) and anatomical formulas to estimate skeletal dimensions.