Microcomputer reconstruction for analysis of spinal deformity and lung volume in hypokyphotic scoliosis

Current techniques for imaging chest deformity are lim-ited to two-dimensional representations, and clinical test-ing for lung volume measurements are based on pulmo-nary function studies that are effort-dependent. The authors evaluated spine deformity and lung volume by using a new three-dimensional microcomputer imaging technique. Results from preoperative and postoperative chest computed tomograms underwent boundary detec-tion by expert human observers. Data were then pro-cessed by polygon surface tiling to create three-dimen- sional color images of the spine and lungs for display. This computer technique allowed: 1) visualization of the anatomic relationships from any angle, 2) assessment of spinal deformity in relation to lung volume, and 3) mea-surement of individual lung volumes. Three-dimensional microcomputer imaging is a useful technique in objec-tively measuring lung volume and assessing postopera-tive changes.