Hideki Sudo, a specially appointed associate professor at the Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, and Osamu Kanai, a professor at the Graduate School of Informatics, have independently developed a method for evaluating the degree of asymmetry in the three-dimensional measurement of the human back surface. , Completed as "back surface 3D symmetry recognition system" applicable to scoliosis screening.
"Idiopathic scoliosis" is a disease in which the spine is greatly curved while rotating and deforms three-dimensionally.It is often seen in adolescent girls, and the frequency of onset is very high, about 3 in 50.In recent years, genes related to diseases have been found, research on the causes of diseases is progressing, and treatment methods are being developed.
Scoliosis is a progressive disease, and it is effective to wear an orthotic device when it is curved by 30 ° or more, so early detection is important for effective treatment.Based on the "School Health and Safety Law", examinations for the purpose of early detection of scoliosis have already been conducted at elementary and junior high schools, but the operation is left to the medical associations and boards of education of each local government. Differences in the discovery rate between regions and the burden on doctors who perform examinations for many children and students within a limited time are major issues.
To solve these problems, Associate Professor Sudo and Professor Kanai have completed a "back surface 3D symmetry recognition system" that can detect "idiopathic scoliosis" at an early stage even in the absence of a specialist. Since multiple points on the back are measured with a 3D scanner, it takes only a few seconds to evaluate how much the shape of the subject's back deviates from the ideal symmetrical shape regardless of the position and posture. And it can be visualized on the computer.This is expected to realize efficient and highly accurate scoliosis screening in a short time.
We have already completed a "prototype machine for scoliosis examination" that can be sold through industry-academia collaboration with Noah Co., Ltd., and it is expected to develop into clinical research for practical use.
