ScoliosisApp
Guided posterior-surface capture for research and professional reviewScoliosisAppPro helps qualified users capture and inspect a bounded 3D
posterior-surface mesh on supported Apple and Android hardware. It presents
geometry-derived technical indicators for research, education,
not a diagnosis and not a radiographic Cobb measurement.
Introduction-General knowledge
Ιdiopathic scoliosis is the most ordinary deformation of the spine during child growth and may go unnoticed during its development for several years and can unpredictably worsen requiring, in some cases, surgical intervention.
Typically, the scoliosis is detected by radiographic information. Health care providers measure scoliosis curves in degrees by Cobb method.The angle is widely used to quantify the magnitude of spinal deformity, especially in the case of scoliosis, on plain radiographs. Scoliosis is defined as a lateral spinal curvature with a Cobb angle of >10°.The degree of severity is quantified by the Cobb angle accordingly .
Usually following diagnosis routine monitoring the progression of the disease is done by periodically X-ray examination until skeletal maturity is reached , as frequently as every three months typically once every six months. Due to the nature of repeated radiation, subjects are susceptible to health risks and may even lead to DNA mutation and cancer. The cumulative X-ray dose to a given patient is dependent on the average number of x ray exposure, after diagnosis spinal radiographs usually taken are 12 for females, 10 for males.
Back surface shape gives first early indication of scoliosis by asymmetry and deformities of the external surface of the trunk especially by parents or relatives usually complain to general practitioner that something is not symmetric to back surface of the child.
Early detection is is considered crucial for intervention by visual inspection of the spine, asymmetry of the back is significant enough to suspect the existence of scoliosis in such cases, to evaluate spinal deformity an X-ray is ordered.
One of the biggest problems with scoliosis is that it can get rapidly worse when a child goes through their growth spurt during puberty: the adolescent growth spurt. The problem here is that if a child has a mild scoliosis when they are young, but it won’t get drastically worse until they hit their adolescent growth spurt,
Clinical detection is not easy and is fraught with errors and usually related to doctor experience. The earlier the scoliosis is caught and treated, the better the outcome. Many cases are missed and medico-legal question to medical physician many years after initial patients visit could be arise.
Simple visual inspection of backs by experienced doctor observation provides information but is is time consuming, cumbersome, highly subjective and not accurate and experienced dependent .
Scoliometers could help evaluate the appearance of an asymmetric spine deformity with variable sensitivity and specificity but cannot substitute radiography.
Thus, there is a need to quantify scoliosis-induced asymmetry using a non-invasive method entailing the reduction of radiation exposure. The developed method can serve as a potential alternative to the existing approach and meet the requirement of non-invasiveness towards measuring asymmetry in scoliosis patients.
Surface topography is a method of trunk shape evaluation based on external body contour assessment that can be performed with several techniques which have been developed in previous decades , like Moire topography, raster- stereophotography, where computer analysis of digitized topographic information monitor curve progression, and provide information that can be used to make treatment decisions But no sufficient accuracy has be proven to be clinically useful, these system were cumbersome , expensive, not available in every day clinical setting.
The clinical doctor captures with Apple’s device lidars sensor on the whole surface of the patient’s back in standing position or in full forward bending position.
Description
Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common deformation of the spine during child growth and may go unnoticed during its development for several years. Unpredictably can worsen requiring, in some cases, surgical intervention. Monitoring of the progression of the disease is done by periodically X-ray examination until skeletal maturity is reached.
The cumulative X-ray dose to a given patient is dependent on the average number of x ray exposure, after diagnosis spinal radiographs usually taken are 12 for females, 10 for males. Back surface shape gives first early indication of scoliosis by asymmetry and deformities of the external surface of the trunk especially by parents or relatives usually complaining that something is not symmetric to back surface of the child.
Technique.
Patients were asked to stand naturally facing backwards with their back exposed from the neck to the pants. The clinical doctor captures with Apple’s lidars sensor on iPhone or iPad the whole surface of the patient’s back in standing position or in bending position. Capturing 3D back surface.
Four kinds of asymmetry Indexes (AI) are being calculated and expressed in percentage. The weighted Average Asymmetry Index or global Asymmetry Index ( AI) is the result of combination of the other three measured Indexes. In case the shape of the back surface is perfectly symmetric with respect to the median sagittal plane, then AI index is zero %, more surface deformity due to scoliosis at patient back’s shape means more deviation from perfect symmetry and greater value of AI. Back deformity is express in percentage, values over 6% are pathologic.
A strong correlation level of Asymmetry indexes and Cobb angle exist ,meaning that the higher the percentage of asymmetry index the higher the degree of scoliosis measured by Cobb angle in spinal X-rays. App works in reverse meaning that from the measured AI at back surface can predict with considerable accuracy the real Cobb angle before spinal X-Ray.
App might be a tool to identify early patients having scoliosis but the diagnosis has been missed due to subtle or even unnoticeable clinical signs by naked eye, feature particularly useful in clinical settings where quick results without losing time are needed, allowing to quantify the spine deformity by simply taking advantage of apples device’s lidars sensor.
Especially for primary care physician is of great importance that could simply scanning childs back and have a meaningful indication that something is wrong without the need of costly expertise evaluation.
The app might also help to
-establish diagnosis objectively by back surface topography by calculating only asymmetry index.
-indicate easily by a pathologic value of Asymmetry Index which patient should be referred thus reducing the missed cases.
-quantify the spine deformity objectively for cosmetic results.
-quick monitor objectively the progression and the severity of scoliosis avoiding unnecessary X-ray exposure especially at younger age, helping treatment decision.
-avoid buying cumbersome extra devices, only Apple’s devices with lidars sensor is needed.
-establish a massive reliable screening test of Scoliosis to paediatric population.
The app seem to be a tool to identify easily and earlier patients having scoliosis but the diagnosis might be missed due to subtle or unnoticeable clinical signs at patient back during clinical evaluation.
Patients back surface spine deformity curvature which is usually not detected even visually can be quantified by Asymmetry Indexes measured by Scoliosis App.Please see relevant video tutorials
ScoliosisAppPro turns posterior-surface captures into interactive 3D views and structured asymmetry information for research and professional review. Use a guided capture workflow on iPhone, explore the generated surface from different viewpoints on Apple Vision Pro, and export visual and quantitative records for documentation and further analysis.
WHY IT IS USEFUL
External trunk geometry can be difficult to understand from a single flat image. ScoliosisAppPro brings capture, 3D visualization, surface analysis, and export into one connected workflow. It offers a clearer way to examine posterior-surface shape, review surface-derived outputs, and support informed professional or research discussion.
A DISTINCTIVE, TRANSPARENT APPROACH
The documented research pipeline analyzes a 3D posterior-surface mesh with principal component analysis. It combines three geometric asymmetry measures - point-distance, projected-area, and volume-like components - into a weighted composite index. The method is mathematically explicit, making its assumptions and outputs available for methodological evaluation. FEATURES - Guided posterior-surface capture on iPhone - Interactive 3D visualization on Apple Vision Pro - Multiple viewpoints for spatial review - Structured surface-asymmetry outputs - Technical quality and measurement context - Exportable 3D models, measurements, and reports - No account required
EVIDENCE STATUS Product-specific research described in a submission-assembled manuscript draft reports internal methodological evaluation in 31 observations, including leave-one-out analysis. The work is preliminary, unpublished, and not an independent clinical validation. It does not establish diagnostic accuracy, screening performance, treatment-response measurement, longitudinal monitoring, or equivalence to radiographs.
IMPORTANT MEDICAL INFORMATION ScoliosisAppPro provides posterior-surface visualization and investigational outputs. It does not establish or exclude a diagnosis and is not a substitute for clinical examination, radiographic assessment, or independent professional judgment. Outputs may be inaccurate, incomplete, or affected by capture quality, and they can miss or falsely suggest findings. Do not make or change medical decisions based solely on the app. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for assessment and treatment. The app is not for emergencies; contact local emergency services when urgent help is needed.
Once the STL file is loaded in the App four kind of Asymmetry Indexes (AIs) (a,b,c,d) are being calculated a. weighted Average Asymmetry Index) global Asymmetry Index b. Asymmetry Index base ar diff BLUE-RED c. Asymmetry Index vol diff_BLUE-RED d. Asymmetry Index diff_BLUE-SAMPLE and printed on devices screen. The value of a. (weighted Average Asymmetry Index) or global Asymmetry Index (global AI) is calculated which is a mathematical combination of the three measured Asymmetry Indexes (b,c,
Once the STL file is loaded in the App four kind of Asymmetry Indexes (AIs) (a,b,c,d) are being calculated a. weighted Average Asymmetry Index) global Asymmetry Index b. Asymmetry Index base ar diff BLUE-RED c. Asymmetry Index vol diff_BLUE-RED d. Asymmetry Index diff_BLUE-SAMPLE and printed on devices screen. The value of a. (weighted Average Asymmetry Index) or global Asymmetry Index (global AI) is calculated which is a mathematical combination of the three measured Asymmetry Indexes (b,c,
Scoliosis App
How it works-Method-Technique
Technique
Patient were asked to stand naturally facing backwards with their back exposed from the neck to the pants. The clinical doctor captures with Apple’s device lidars sensor on the whole surface of the patient’s back in standing position or in full forward bending position. Back, breech, neck, occipital surfaces usually are all included in stl file.
The value of a. (weighted Average Asymmetry Index) or global Asymmetry Index (global AI) is calculated which is a mathematical combination of the three measured Asymmetry Indexes (b,c,d) -printed below global AI on devices screen-, expressed in percentage and printed in the first row on devices screen. The global Asymmetry Index (global AI) is the main index taking into account for evaluation of back surface asymmetry (AI).
In case the shape of the back surface is perfectly symmetric with respect to median sagittal plane, then Asymmetry Index (AI) index is zero %, more surface deformity of patient back due to scoliosis curvature, more deviation from perfect symmetry greater the value of Asymmetry Index measured.
Back deformity is express in percentage of Asymmetry Index and values less than 6% are considered normal (Cobb angle of <10°) otherwise letters are highlighted in red colour - pathologic.
Typically, the scoliosis is detected by spinal radiographic examination. Health care providers measure scoliosis curves in degrees by Cobb method. Cobb angle is widely used to quantify the magnitude of spinal deformity, especially in the case of scoliosis, on plain radiographs. Scoliosis is defined as a lateral spinal curvature with a Cobb angle of >10°.The degree of severity is quantified by the Cobb angle accordingly "No Scoliosis [0°-10°],”Mild Scoliosis [11°-29°] , "Moderate Scoliosis [30°-45°] ,”Severe Scoliosis [>45°].
A strong correlation level of Asymmetry indexes and Cobb angle exist (global AI, R2=0,87) meaning that the higher the percentage of asymmetry index the higher the degree of scoliosis measured by Cobb angle in spinal X-rays. From measured Asymmetry Index AI at back surface, user can predict with considerable accuracy the real Cobb angle.
This could be highly advantageous that even before spinal X-Ray is done and real Cobb angle curvature is measured the predicted Cobb value given by App coincide or is few degrees close to real Cobb angle, something valuable in clinical setting especially when the clinical doctor suspects by back surface inspection that his patient has scoliosis but is in doubt . Usually subjectivity of examiners eye estimation leads to missed diagnosis. In order to avoid this unpleasant medico-legal situation usually spine X-rays are order usually in excess. In case no scoliosis is found parents frustration from unnecessary X-ray exposure might be evident. Patients back surface spine deformity curvature which is usually not detected visually can be quantified by Asymmetry Indexes measured by Scoliosis App without even taking X rays simply by scanning persons back.
By pressing save button all values are exported in txt format and can be inserted to numbers or xls application for archiving or scientific evaluation.
ScoliosisAppPro is an Orthopractis application for trained healthcare professionals, researchers and appropriately qualified users who need a structured posterior-trunk surface workflow.
The app guides the operator through a shoulder-to-hip capture region, supports measured 3D surface construction on compatible hardware and provides tools for reviewing the protected mesh before analysis or export.
WORKFLOW
• Position the posterior trunk and keep both shoulders and hips visible.
• Review and lock a symmetric shoulder-to-hip scan volume.
• Follow measured surface growth inside the protected region.
• Review technical quality information before using any result.
• Save, share or export supported reports and mesh formats when available in the selected platform build.
MEASUREMENT AND RESEARCH TOOLS
Depending on the platform and supported hardware, ScoliosisAppPro may include posterior-surface asymmetry components, AIglobal, OSAI-R, dOSAI, Projected Cobb and Candidate Cobb research-support estimates, QCI-1 technical quality controls, external mesh import, PCA-based alignment and user-controlled mesh export.
IMPORTANT
ScoliosisAppPro does not diagnose scoliosis and does not replace clinical examination, radiographs, radiographic Cobb-angle measurement or specialist judgment. Projected or Candidate Cobb outputs are surface-derived research-support estimates, not radiographic measurements. Quality-control values describe acquisition and mesh suitability; they are not diagnostic confidence.
ScoliosisAppPro combines guided capture, on-device pose-assisted setup,
technical mesh review, and operator-controlled export. Compatible devices may
use RGB/RGB-D or ARCore depth workflows, depending on platform and hardware.
The app is designed to make the acquisition and review process explicit: set
up the subject, check capture quality, inspect the surface, and decide whether
to save or share the result.
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Questions and answers
What does ScoliosisAppPro do?
It supports guided capture, 3D posterior-surface visualization, structured surface-derived asymmetry analysis, and export for research and professional review.
Why use a 3D view?
External trunk shape contains depth and spatial relationships that can be difficult to understand from a single flat image. An explorable 3D representation provides additional viewpoints for structured review.
Does it diagnose or rule out scoliosis?
No. The app provides posterior-surface visualization and investigational outputs. It cannot establish or exclude a diagnosis.
Does it replace an X-ray or a clinician?
No. It is not a substitute for clinical examination, radiographic assessment, or independent professional judgment.
Has the method been clinically validated?
Not on the evidence supplied. A manuscript draft reports internal evaluation in 31 observations, but no independent clinical test cohort. External prospective validation is still required.
What makes the method distinctive?
The documented approach combines three PCA-derived geometric asymmetry components in a weighted surface index and pairs the method with a connected iPhone and Apple Vision Pro review workflow. This is a concrete differentiator, not a claim that the app is the first or only product of its kind.
Who is it for?
Appropriately trained professionals, research teams, and institutions evaluating posterior-surface methods within the app's documented scope.
Public medical disclaimer
DISCLAIMER
ScoliosisAppPro provides posterior-surface visualization and investigational outputs for research and professional review. It does not establish or exclude a medical diagnosis and is not a substitute for clinical examination, radiographic assessment, or independent professional judgment. Results may be inaccurate, incomplete, or affected by capture quality, calibration, posture, occlusion, device or sensor limitations, software assumptions, and operator technique. Outputs can miss or falsely suggest findings. Do not start, stop, delay, or change care based solely on the app. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. ScoliosisAppPro is not for emergencies; contact local emergency services when urgent assistance is needed.
