New Device Classifies Mild to Moderate Scoliosis without X-rays

In the first U.S. clinical trials of the new Quantec Body Shape and Measurement System, Medical College of Wisconsin researchers at the MACC Fund Research Center report the device could significantly reduce the amount of x-ray exposure for many children with mild to moderate scoliosis (curvature of the spine).

The Quantec System uses a grid of harmless white light, projected across the child's back. This data from the surface of the child's back is recorded and computer-processed to create a three-dimensional image of the shape of the surface.

"While the new system has been used in Europe and Canada for more than five years, the system at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, purchased with funds donated by the Variety Club of Wisconsin, is the first of its kind in the U.S. to be used clinically to follow patients," said principal investigator, John Thometz, M.D., associate professor of pediatric orthopaedics at the Medical College. Dr. Thometz is also director of pediatric orthopaedic surgery at Children's Hospital, a major teaching affiliate. Xue-Cheng Liu, M.D., a Medical College project research physician, was co-principal investigator.

"Reducing children's exposure to x-ray's is very important, because repeated x-ray exposure in childhood has been linked to increased risk of breast, bone and thyroid cancer in later life," said Dr. Thometz.

They presented results of several studies at several recent meetings, including the International Research Society of Spinal Deformities meeting in Burlington, Vt., on June 29.

The team has performed clinical trials to confirm the device's accuracy and reliability. They have also done studies to correlate Quantec measurements with plain x-ray film measurements in frontal and side views, and are using the device to develop a new, three-dimensional classification system for scoliosis, which will include more relative, spatial information.

"The spinal deformities of scoliosis are three dimensional and conventional x-rays can only give us two dimensional information," Dr. Thometz said. " The Quantec System's reconstruction software provides a very useful set of parameters for monitoring and managing scoliosis efficiently. The images also make it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of various treatments by accurately comparing the outcomes of different bracing and surgical techniques."

Scoliosis, a side-to-side curvature of the spine, occurs relatively frequently in the general population. Serious scoliosis occurs in about one in 750 people in the United States. Most curves can be treated without surgery if they are detected before becoming too severe. However, curvatures in rapidly growing young adolescents often will progress. If scoliosis is neglected, the curves may progress dramatically, creating significant physical deformity and, with severe curves, even cardiopulmonary problems.

For more information on ongoing clinical studies of the Quantec System, call Cynthia Kalies at 456-4967.

MCW Health News presents up-to-date information on patient care and medical research by the physicians of the Medical College of Wisconsin.