On the determination of the angular orientation of a vertebra

J Biomech Eng. 2002 Feb;124(1):134-6. doi: 10.1115/1.1431265.

Abstract

In this paper we consider the spatial orientation of vertebrae. We take the view that, in determining their rotation angles from X-rays, the procedure applied by Drerup yields the most reliable empirical results, viz. the three angles through which a vertebra rotates about its own symmetry axes in a specific sequence. With a view to the further use of this information to analyze deformations or the motion of a spine we recommend that the Drerup angles be converted into the well-known Eulerian angles. How this can be done is the subject of this report.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological*
  • Movement / physiology
  • Radiography
  • Rotation
  • Spine / diagnostic imaging
  • Spine / physiology*