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In Vivo Assessment of Thoracic Vertebral Shape From MRI Data Using a Shape Model

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Abstract

Study Design

Feasibility study on characterizing thoracic vertebral shape from magnetic resonance images using a shape model.

Objectives

Assess the reliability of characterizing thoracic vertebral shape from magnetic resonance images and estimate the normal variation in vertebral shape using a shape model.

Summary of Background Data

The characterization of thoracic vertebra shape is important for understanding the initiation and progression of deformity and in developing surgical methods. Methods for characterizing shape need to be comprehensive, reliable, and suitable for use in vivo.

Methods

Magnetic resonance images of the thoracic vertebrae were acquired from 20 adults. Repeat scans were acquired, after repositioning the participants, for T4, T8, and T12. Landmark points were placed around the vertebra on the images and used to create a shape model. The reliability was assessed using relative error (E%) and intraclass correlation (ICC). The effect of vertebral level, sex and age on vertebral shape was assessed using repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

Five modes of variation were retained from the shape model. Reliability was excellent for the first two modes (mode 1: E% = 7, ICC = 0.98; mode 2: E% = 11, ICC = 0.96). These modes described variation in the vertebral bodies, the pedicle width and orientation, and the facet joint position and orientation with respect to the pedicle axis. Variation in vertebral shape was found along the thoracic spine and between individuals, but there was little effect of age and sex.

Conclusions

Magnetic resonance images and shape modeling provides a reliable method for characterizing vertebral shape in vivo. The method is able to identify differences between vertebral levels and between individuals. The use of these methods may be advantageous for performing repeated measurements in longitudinal studies.

Level of Evidence

N/A.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biomedical Physics/Biomedical Engineering, Physics Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QL, United Kingdom

    Judith R. Meakin PhD

  2. Medical Imaging, South Cloisters, University of Exeter, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, United Kingdom

    Susan J. Hopkins PhD

  3. Exeter Spinal Unit, Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, United Kingdom

    Andrew Clarke MBBS, FRCS

  4. Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QL, United Kingdom

    Judith R. Meakin PhD

Authors
  1. Judith R. Meakin PhD
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  2. Susan J. Hopkins PhD
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  3. Andrew Clarke MBBS, FRCS
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Judith R. Meakin PhD.

Additional information

Disclosures: JRM (grants from British Scoliosis Research Foundation, during the conduct of the study); SJH (none); AC (grants from British Scoliosis Research Foundation, during the conduct of the study).

IRB approval: Ethical approval for the study was given by the ethics committee of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter.

Funding: This work was supported by the British Scoliosis Research Foundation.

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Meakin, J.R., Hopkins, S.J. & Clarke, A. In Vivo Assessment of Thoracic Vertebral Shape From MRI Data Using a Shape Model. Spine Deform 7, 517–524 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jspd.2018.10.005

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jspd.2018.10.005

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