Spinal deformity measurement using a low-density flexible array ultrasound transducer: A feasibility study with phantoms

Spinal deformities assessment using 3D ultrasound scanning has limitations in fitting onto different back surface contour as well within the gaps between subject and their spinal brace during bracing assessments. The study proposed a flexible array transducer to overcome these limitations. results demonstrated feasibility of deformity assessments with when arranged four shapes, namely Linear, Concave, Convex, S-shaped. For comparisons imaging performance on spinous process Convex S-shaped showed depth dependence lateral location intensity distribution process, respectively. had least accurate prediction measurement error 4.8 ​± ​3.2 ​mm, it also poorer curvature measurements. This is suggested be due asymmetrical distortion image. However, coronal curve spine phantom performed R-squared values >0.97 all shapes. this paved way for further investigation improvement image quality accuracy under shapes array, mechanism dynamic shape change fit body contour, extension from 1D 2D array.