9. Design of an Auxiliary Mechanical System for the Diagnosis of Lordosis and Scoliosis

Scoliosis and lordosis are medical conditions, which present an atypical curvature of the spine. These deformations can be easily diagnosed, altogether with the degree of their severity through orthopedic measurement processes and clinical reviews. However, the preformed studies which classify the severity of these deformations are, in their majority, empirical and present great opportunity for improvement. Therefore, they are based on radiographies that offer a clear image of the spine, but present the problem of a constant patient’s exposition to ionizing radiation and as a consequence an increment of potential hazards for health. This also means, results are subject to the physician’s interpretation and expertise. The present work intends to describe and analyze the design and function of a mechanical system that is capable of significantly reducing the radiological exposure of patients with scoliosis and lordosis. The main goal of this device is to diagnose both deformations by obtaining the angles of curvature of the patient’s spine, using a method that does not depend entirely on human interpretation.