Radiation-free scoliosis analyzer for measuring the Cobb angle

Abstract

A non-invasive device for estimating the Cobb angle, consisting of an adjustable frame with telescopic internal rods, contact needles with length-adjustable screws for orientation to dorsal anatomical landmarks, integrated protractors for measuring relative arm angles and an ergonomic handle, the device enabling radiation-free angle measurement that provides an indication of the extent of spinal curvature.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to orthopedic assessment devices for scoliosis that enable radiation-free, non-invasive measurement of the Cobb angle using mechanical referencing and integrated angle measurements for diagnosis and monitoring. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The Cobb angle, measured on X-rays, is considered the diagnostic standard for the severity of scoliosis. However, repeated X-rays increase the cumulative radiation risk, especially in children and adolescents who undergo regular examinations. Radiation-free methods such as scoliometers, mobile apps, ultrasound, LiDAR, and MEMS-based trajectory scanning can determine the curvature without ionizing radiation. Many of these methods, however, have limitations regarding objectivity, reproducibility, or dependence on complex imaging and calibration procedures. Newer radiation-free systems demonstrate improved reliability by tracking the spinous processes using MEMS or 3D scanning. They achieve strong correlations with the radiological Cobb angle, thus supporting the wider application of radiation-free measurement methods in addition to the radiological baseline values.A portable, mechanically referenced device with precise angle measurement enables consistent and reproducible Cobb angle measurements in clinics, schools, and home environments. This reduces the frequency of imaging while still preserving actionable monitoring data. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to the scoliosis analyzer (ScoliAnalyzer), a non-invasive device with an adjustable frame featuring internal rods, slim contact needles with length-adjustable screws, integrated protractors for angle measurement, and an ergonomic handle for stable positioning along palpable spinous processes and rib projections. The frame geometry captures the relative angular relationships between upper and lower reference points on the end vertebrae, thus enabling repeatable determination of coronal curvature without ionizing radiation. In preferred embodiments, the device has calibrated protractors at the joints and scale markings on the telescopic rods for fixing the span and alignment. This allows users to locate and fix the contact points and directly read the resulting angle.Optional MEMS inclinometers digitally complement the mechanical measurement, thus improving precision and logging. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0004] ScoliAnalyzer consists of a stable outer frame with telescopic inner rods that adjust to the patient's torso width. The rods terminate in slim, rounded contact needles, the length of which is adjusted via fine screws to reach the skin over the anatomical target points while minimizing discomfort and soft tissue deformation. Integrated protractors at the upper and lower joint points provide high-contrast vernier scales for subgrade resolution. Once the user aligns each arm with the local tangent at the end-vertebral points, the sum or relative angle corresponds to an estimated substitute value for the Cobb angle. The ergonomic handle stabilizes the frame during positioning, reduces hand tremor, and facilitates alignment over the spinous processes identified by palpation.This concept is similar to the non-imaging dorsal landmark techniques described in recent radiation-free studies. Telescopic scales on the rods document the distances between anatomical landmarks. This improves the reproducibility of results in repeated examinations and supports standardized placement protocols used in scoliosis follow-up outside of radiology rooms. An optional digital extension integrates a MEMS inclinometer and a small display to capture arm tilt in two planes and compensate for trunk tilt. This is comparable to MEMS-based systems that create radiation-free 3D vectors of the spinous processes.The device's workflow involves locating the upper and lower end-vertebral regions by palpation, inserting needles until skin contact is made over the spinous processes, adjusting the rod angles until the goniometer aligns with the local orientation, tightening the screws, and recording the measured angle along with the span and height for longitudinal section comparison. For training and screening purposes, the device can compare scoliometer readings for trunk rotation angle and apply validated regression relationships that correlate trunk rotation with the Cobb angle. This allows cases to be prioritized for radiological confirmation, reducing unnecessary imaging while simultaneously marking thresholds for disease progression.The portable device is constructed from lightweight alloys or reinforced polymers with rounded edges for child safety and features sterilizable contact tips to ensure hygiene in multi-patient environments such as schools or sports clinics. Its design allows for operation in confined spaces without a power supply, relying solely on mechanical measurements. Optionally, measurements can be digitally logged for telemedicine analysis and integration with mobile tracking tools, which have proven effective in Cobb angle measurement workflows. By combining mechanical precision, anatomical referencing, and optional digital enhancement, ScoliAnalyzer enables consistent, reproducible, and radiation-free determination of spinal curvature, thus supporting diagnosis, monitoring, and decision-making between imaging sessions.

Claims

[1] A non-invasive device for estimating the Cobb angle, comprising an adjustable frame with telescopic internal rods, contact needles with length-adjustable screws for orientation to dorsal anatomical landmarks, integrated protractors for measuring relative arm angles and an ergonomic handle, wherein the device enables radiation-free angle measurement which provides an indication of the extent of spinal curvature. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the protractors have vernier scales and the rods include markings for recording the distance from reference points and for improving measurement repeatability in subsequent investigations. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising embedded MEMS inclinometers and a display configured to detect the inclination of the arms in multiple planes and to compensate for the torso inclination, and providing a digital complement to the mechanical angle display. [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operation of the device includes cross-comparisons of the scoliometer angle of the trunk rotation and validated regression relationships for triage of cases for radiological confirmation, while simultaneously reducing the cumulative radiation exposure.