Introduction and evaluation of a novel multi-camera surface topography system

BackgroundSurface topography can be used for the evaluation of spinal deformities without any radiation. However, so far this technique is limited to posterior trunk measurements due to the use of a single posterior camera.Research questionPurpose of this study was to introduce a new multi camera surface topography system and to test its reliability and validity.MethodsThe surface topograph uses a two-camera system for imaging and evaluating the subjects front and back simultaneously. Inter- and intra-rater reliability was tested on 40 human subjects by two observers. For validation human, subjects were scanned by MRI and surface-topography. For additional validation we used a phantom with an anthropomorphic body which was scanned by CT and surface topography.ResultsInter- (0.97?0.99) and intra-rater reliability (0.81?0.98) testing revealed good and excellent results in the detection of the body surface structures and measurement of areas and volumes. CT based validation revealed good correspondence between systems in the imaging and evaluation of the phantom model (0.61–10.52 %). Results on validation of human subjects revealed good to moderate results in the detection and measurements of almost all body surface structures (1.36–13.34 %). Only measurements using jugular notch as a reference showed moderate results in validity (0.62–27.5%) testing.SignificanceWe have introduced a novel and innovative surface topography system that allows for simultaneous anterior and posterior trunk measurements. The results of our reliability and validity tests are satisfactory. However, in particular around the jugular notch region further improvements in the surface topography reconstruction are needed.