Evolution of optical diagnosis of spinal deformity. Methods and future development (literature review)

Introduction Diagnosis of spinal deformities in children and adolescents is important for continuous development of modern traumatology and orthopaedics. Methods of optical diagnosis of scoliosis and postural disorders have been rapidly improving along with optical and digital assessment technologies over the past centuries and required a structural analysis of the accumulated data. The purpose was to explore clinical and technical aspects of optical diagnosis of spinal deformities. Material and methods The original literature search was conducted on key resources including the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) and Scientific Electronic eLibrary. The search depth was 10 years. Results The article presents a review of the methods historically developed in optical diagnosis of spinal deformities. Major methods and systems of optical diagnosis presented included moire topography, the ISIS system, modern methods of computer optical topography (raster stereography) photogrammetric methods used in clinical medicine and in trauma and orthopaedics. Characteristics of the methods and systems are described with advantages and disadvantages discussed. The article reports evaluated accuracy, reliability and reproducibility of optical diagnostic methods. The article presents the latest information about the possibilities of introducing technology for assessing spinal deformity using modern personal telecommunication devices. Conclusion The evolution of modern trends in optical diagnosis of spinal deformity is important for medicine to facilitate safety, greater accuracy, ease of operation, digitalization and development of the Internet of Medical Things.