The cause of axial rotation of the scoliotic spine.
To explain the cause of axial rotation in a scoliotic vertebral column, the influence of the gravitation force on a spine with a C-scoliosis has been investigated by means of a mechanical model. In this model the gravitation force takes hold of the three-dimensionally curved vertebral column eccentrically. From these reflections it appears that the axial rotation in the scoliotic spine can be explained by the moment distribution caused by this eccentrical gravitation force. The moment distribution, necessary for correction of the spine, is supposed to be opposite to the moments caused by the gravitation force. The moment distribution caused by the Harrington and the Luque spinal correction systems are compared to the calculated optimum correction moments. It appears that the moment distribution for the Harrington and Luque methods, necessary for the correction of the lateral deviation, are almost the same as the calculated correction moments. But the axial rotation appears to be increasing instead of decreasing in both correction systems.
Non-invasive measurements of scoliosis and the spine: a review of the literature
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis frequently develops around puberty and involves both translational and angular asymmetry of the rib cage and back surface vertebrae. This article examines various invasive methods used to measure the spine and back and reviews research on non-invasive measurement systems. This should allow clinicians and therapists with an interest in the spine and back to be informed of the different approaches undertaken for clinical evaluation and research in this field. Optoelectronic gait analysis systems have been used to measure dynamic back movements, but there remains need to optimize marker placement procedures. The importance of trunk movement in human gait has been established in many studies, although quantifying spinal deformities and the range of spine and trunk movement has concentrated on the static position of the body. Additionally, there is paucity of data detailing the actual relative motion between the back and lower limb during gait. This article highlights the need f...
Strategies for glass based photonic system integration
There is a clear tendency to integrate more and more opto-electronic and micro-optical components like optical fibers, laser diodes, modulators, isolators, beam-splitting components and micro lenses in also increasingly dense and complex assemblies. The paper will discuss thin glass as a very promising base material for that kind of photonic packaging on interposer and board level including optical interconnection using fibers.