Publications by authors named "Christian Bellefleur"

Study Design: Observational cohort study.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that anterior vertebral body growth modulation (AVBGM) achieves 3D deformity correction after 2-year follow-up while brace treatment limits curve progression for moderate idiopathic scoliosis (30-50°).

Summary Of Background Data: For idiopathic scoliosis, bracing and AVBGM have overlapping indications in skeletally immature patients with moderate scoliosis curve angles, creating a grey zone in clinical practice between them.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a deformation of the spine and it is routinely diagnosed using posteroanterior and lateral radiographs. The Risser sign used in skeletal maturity assessment is commonly accepted in AIS patient's management. However, the Risser sign is subject to inter-observer variability and it relies mainly on the observation of ossification on the iliac crests.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: To develop an automatic method for the assessment of the Risser stage using deep learning that could be used in the management panel of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Materials And Methods: In this institutional review board approved-study, a total of 1830 posteroanterior radiographs of patients with AIS (age range, 10-18 years, 70% female) were collected retrospectively and graded manually by six trained readers using the United States Risser staging system. Each radiograph was preprocessed and cropped to include the entire pelvic region.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

X-ray imaging is currently the gold standard for the assessment of spinal deformities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a freehand 3D ultrasound system for volumetric reconstruction of the spine. A setup consisting of an ultrasound scanner with a linear transducer, an electromagnetic measuring system and a workstation was used.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The progression of the spinal curve represents one of the major concerns in the assessment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). The prediction of the shape of the spine from the first visit could guide the management of AIS and provide the right treatment to prevent curve progression.

Method: In this work, we propose a novel approach based on a statistical generative model to predict the shape variation of the spinal curve from the first visit.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

While classification is important for assessing adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), it however suffers from low interobserver and intraobserver reliability. Classification using ensemble methods may contribute to improving reliability using the proper 2D and 3D images of spine curvature features. In this study, we present two new techniques to describe the spine, namely, leave-one-out and fan leave-one-out.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The study evaluates a new radiographic software for measuring scoliosis in adults, focusing on its accuracy and reliability among different observers.
  • Previous methods relied heavily on repeated measures by experienced users, which can overlook the need for thorough accuracy assessments in scoliosis evaluations.
  • Results showed that most measurements had strong reliability, though there were issues with measuring sacral obliquity, highlighting the need for further improvement in that area.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Study Design: Prospective and randomized clinical study.

Objectives: To evaluate the correction of the spine obtained using a 3-dimensional visualization software tool developed to assist the design and adjustment of braces compared with the correction obtained with the conventional method in a cohort of subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Summary Of Background Data: The optimal design and adjustment of trim lines, pad placement, and areas of relief for the Boston brace system in AIS are currently done using clinical examination and coronal radiographs.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF