Features
Eliminate uncertainty in vertebral deformity assessment
SpineAnalyzer™ provides the reader with an advanced, quantitative capture of vertebral shape and spinal geometry, allowing the reader to apply the same quantitative methodology for vertebral deformity assessment that is used in clinical trials quickly and efficiently.
Assess vertebral shape
SpineAnalyzer helps identify even subtle vertebral deformities by efficiently and comprehensively annotating spinal anatomy. This unique software workflow solution enables rapid and reproducible assessment of the accepted quantitative standard (6-point morphometry), by providing full, easily editable contours outlining vertebral shape. The software employs a proprietary statistical model-based image analysis technique, which uses simple manual single-point initialization to automatically segment the lateral vertebral margins of the spine on selected vertebrae from T4 to L4. SpineAnalyzer produces a report that shows deformed vertebrae and permits the physician to compare these to a report from other timepoints.
Workflow facilitation
SpineAnalyzer is designed to fit seamlessly into the existing workflow of scoring lateral spine images for vertebral deformity. On a PC with access to the x-ray or VFA (DXA) images from either PACS, DICOMDIR or network files, the clinician performs the following steps:
- Selects patient and displays lateral spine x-ray or VFA images.
- With a single click per vertebra, labels the vertebrae of interest. Any vertebrae between T4 and L4 can be analyzed.
SpineAnalyzer then performs the following steps:
- Automatically annotates vertebral body margins and places points for 6-point morphometry.
- Allows clinician to review validity of annotations and make corrections as needed.
- Grades the severity of deformity.
- Facilitates the reporting of Genant SQ scoring and differential diagnosis.
- Produces a PDF format report and allows optional export of analysis data.
DICOM support and PACS connectivity
SpineAnalyzer will connect directly to your hospital PACS and supports DICOM standard Query / Retrieve search.DICOM images may also be imported from a DICOMDIR directory structure on a network or CDROM exported from your PACS system. SpineAnalyzer can import images from a Windows network in either TIFF or DICOM format. Searches may be viewed as both a list of image series or as patient-study-series hierarchy.
Genant SQ scoring and differential diagnosis reporting
Once vertebrae are identified, they may be quickly classified individually or as a sequence using a workflow tool as shown. Both SQ scores and differential diagnosis descriptions are then available on screen and in the final report.
- Genant SQ Scores: vertebral levels are classified by choosing standard pictorial representations of “Genant” scores.
- Differential Diagnosis: Each vertebral level may also be described using a list of common differential diagnosis descriptions or else by entering freeform text.
Managing sessions
SpineAnalyzer uses the concept of a Reading Session to manage the work you have performed during a particular period of time. At any point during the use of SpineAnalyzer, you may choose to save your session and/or open a new one. A session consists of any images, associated metadata that you have imported into SpineAnalyzer, any analyses you have performed together with all the results and any PACS, DICOMDIR or file system connections.
Report generation and data export
Reporting: When your analysis is completed, SpineAnalyzer allows you to generate a report summarizing the clinical findings and print the report directly to a printer, or export as a PDF file.
Data Export: You may export all of the analysis data from SpineAnalyzer to permit further analysis. Data may be exported to a comma separated variable (.csv) file or a Microsoft Excel (.xls) file.
Licensing and deployment
SpineAnalyzer is licensed on an annual subscription basis and may be supplied as a standalone PC application or an SDK for integration into your software applications.
Documentation: SpineAnalyzer is supplied with an electronic user manual and installation guide. The user guide is available from within the application.
Training and Support: After installation and training, email and phone support is available for ongoing support in the use of the software.