A new tool by which to visualise adolescent idiopathic scoliosis as a continuous process

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a continuous process that produces a three-dimensional deformity. Observation of radiographs taken at irregular intervals fails to provide a continuous view of curve development. Morphing is a computer technique by which a 'start' image can be blended into an 'end' image. The application of this technique to sequential pairs of images collected from a patient during visits to the clinic produces movies in which die continuous development of scoliosis can be seen. Such movies can be created from radiographs, cosmesis images, or combined images where the radiographs have been superimposed on the cosmesis images. Real-time movies can also be created showing appropriate patient data to accompany the curve development. The movies have been found to be especially useful in patient education but are also expected to provide improvements in clinical management as well as information relating to the aetiology of AIS. It must always be remembered that the interpolated images are computer generated but there are few limitations of Uie technique in relation to validity.