Systems and methods for evaluation of scoliosis and kyphosis

Abstract

Devices and systems for characterizing a condition of spinal deformities are contemplated. Mobile devices that incorporate inclinometers or accelerometers (e.g., a smart phone) are held securely in a supporting structure that renders it useful to characterize spinal deformities such as scoliosis and/or kyphosis. Supporting structures can include features that secure the mobile device (for example, chamfered surfaces, high friction surfaces, pliant projections, straps, hook and loop enclosures, tensioning devices, detents, etc.) in an upper portion and a lower portion that includes at least one, but preferably two or more rollers, and an interposing centrally placed notch dimensioned to permit the assembled device (supporting structure and mobile device) to span the width of a typical human spinal column. At least one roller includes an encoder (e.g., optical, mechanical, and/or magnetic encoders) that provide data related to their rotation or translation, thereby providing a measure of distance travelled as the device rolls, as well as direction. Such a support device can include additional features, such as additional sensors that are accessible by the mobile device, a centrally placed guide (such as a projected LED laser, illuminated filament, flexible bristle, etc.) that can be used to keep the assembled device in alignment during use, and supplementary battery power for the mobile device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A supporting structure for a testing device, comprising:
 an upper portion configured to secure a mobile device comprising a CPU; and   a lower portion having a first side and a second side opposed to one another and a lower surface coupled to both the first side and the second side, wherein the lower surface comprises a first roller positioned at or near the first side, a second roller positioned at or near the second side, and a notch interposed between the first roller and the second roller; and   a first encoder coupled to either the first roller or the second roller and that is configured to communicatively couple to the CPU.   
     
     
         2 . The supporting structure of  claim 1 , wherein the first roller is coupled to the first encoder and the second roller is coupled to a second encoder that is configured to communicatively couple to the CPU. 
     
     
         3 . The supporting structure of  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor configured to communicatively couple to the mobile device, wherein the sensor is selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a camera, a heat sensor, an infrared sensor, and a pressure sensor. 
     
     
         4 . The supporting structure of  claim 1 , wherein the first encoder is configured to provide data related to the distance moved, speed, or acceleration of the supporting structure when the supporting structure is rolled on the first roller. 
     
     
         5 . The supporting structure of  claim 17 , wherein either of the first roller or the second roller comprises a plurality of wheels. 
     
     
         6 . The supporting structure of  claim 1 , comprising a hinge joining the upper portion to the lower portion. 
     
     
         7 . The supporting structure of  claim 1 , further comprising an alignment feature positioned centrally along the notch. 
     
     
         8 . The supporting structure of  claim 7 , wherein the alignment feature comprises an illuminating device oriented to project a beam through a central portion of the notch along a line perpendicular to the plane of the lower surface. 
     
     
         9 . A testing device for determination of a spinal deformity in a subject, comprising:
 a mobile device comprising an accelerometer and a CPU; and   a supporting structure comprising an upper portion configured to secure the mobile device, a lower portion having a first side and a second side opposed to one another and a lower surface coupled to both the first side and the second side, wherein the lower surface comprises a first roller positioned at or near the first side, a second roller positioned at or near the second side, and a notch interposed between the first roller and the second roller; and   a first encoder coupled to either the first roller or the second roller and that is communicatively coupled to the CPU.   
     
     
         10 . The testing device of  claim 9 , wherein the first roller is coupled to the first encoder, and the second roller is coupled to a second encoder that is communicatively coupled to the CPU. 
     
     
         11 . The testing device of  claim 9 , wherein the supporting structure comprises a sensor that is communicatively coupled to the CPU. 
     
     
         12 . The testing device of  claim 11 , wherein the sensor is selected from the list consisting of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a camera, a heat sensor, an infrared sensor, and a pressure sensor. 
     
     
         13 . The testing device of  claim 9 , comprising a communication link configured to provide communication between the supporting structure and the mobile device. 
     
     
         14 . The testing device of  claim 13 , wherein the communication link is selected from the group consisting of a cable and a wireless communication methodology, wherein the wireless communication methodology comprises one of a wireless protocol, a WiFi transmitter, a WiFi receiver , a Bluetooth transmitter, a Bluetooth receiver, a ZigBee transmitter, a near field transmitter, a near field receiver, a radio frequency transmitter, a radio frequency receiver, an infrared transmitter, or an infrared receiver. 
     
     
         15 . The testing device of  claim 9 , wherein the first encoder is configured to provide data related to the distance moved by the supporting structure when the supporting structure is rolled on the first roller. 
     
     
         16 . The testing device of  claim 9 , wherein either of the first roller or the second roller comprises a plurality of wheels. 
     
     
         17 . The testing device of  claim 9 , comprising a hinge joining the upper portion to the lower portion. 
     
     
         18 . The testing device of  claim 17 , wherein the hinge comprises at least one stop. 
     
     
         19 . The testing device of  claim 17 , wherein the hinge is configured to secure the top portion at a first position relative to the lower portion and at a second position relative to the lower portion, wherein the first position and the second position are normal to one another. 
     
     
         20 . The testing device of  claim 9 , comprising an alignment feature positioned centrally along the notch. 
     
     
         21 . The testing device of  claim 20 , wherein the alignment feature is an illuminating device oriented to project a beam through a central portion of the notch along a line perpendicular to the plane of the lower surface.