A computerized method for evaluating scoliotic deformities using elliptical pattern recognition in X-ray spine images.

Background And Objective: Several studies have evaluated the reproducibility of the Cobb angle for measuring the degree of scoliotic deformities from X-ray spine images, and proposed different geometric models for describing the spinal curvature. The ellipse was shown to be an adequate geometric form, but was not yet applied for the identification and quantification of scoliotic curvatures. The purpose of this study is therefore to propose and validate a novel computerized methodology for the detection of elliptical patterns from X-ray images to evaluate the extent of the underlying scoliotic deformity.

Graphical evaluation of vocal fold vibratory patterns by high-speed videolaryngoscopy.

Objective: To characterize the voice and vocal fold function of an individual, it is essential to evaluate vocal fold vibration. The most widely used method for this purpose has been videolaryngoscopy.

Methods: This article proposes a digital image processing algorithm to estimate the glottal area (ie, the space between the vocal folds) and produce graphs of the opening and closing phases of the glottal cycle.

Vibrational dynamics of vocal folds using nonlinear normal modes.

Many previous works involving physical models, excised and in vivo larynges have pointed out nonlinear vibration in vocal folds during voice production. Moreover, theoretical studies involving mechanical modeling of these folds have tried to gain a profound understanding of the observed nonlinear phenomena. In this context, the present work uses the nonlinear normal mode theory to investigate the nonlinear modal behavior of 16 subjects using a two-mass mechanical modeling of the vocal folds.

Reliability assessment of Cobb angle measurements using manual and digital methods.

Background Context: The vertebral spine angle in the frontal plane is an important parameter in the assessment of scoliosis and may be obtained from panoramic X-ray images. Technological advances have allowed for an increased use of digital X-ray images in clinical practice.

Purpose: In this context, the objective of this study is to assess the reliability of computer-assisted Cobb angle measurements taken from digital X-ray images.

Validity and reliability of a computer method to estimate vertebral axial rotation from digital radiographs.

Axial vertebral rotation, an important parameter in the assessment of scoliosis may be identified on X-ray images. In line with the advances in the field of digital radiography, hospitals have been increasingly using this technique. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the reliability of computer-processed rotation measurements obtained from digital radiographs.

A computational method for recording and analysis of mandibular movements.

This study proposed the development of a new clinical tool capable of quantifying the movements of opening-closing, protrusion and laterotrusion of the mandible. These movements are important for the clinical evaluation of the temporomandibular function and muscles involved in mastication. Unlike current commercial systems, the proposed system employs a low-cost video camera and a computer program that is used for reconstructing the trajectory of a reflective marker that is fixed on the mandible.