Patent ID: 8900146

Claim:
A three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging system for assessing scoliosis, the system comprising: an ultrasound scanner to capture a set of B-mode ultrasound images wherein each image of the set includes a plurality of pixels corresponding to features of a vertebra; a spatial sensor to record the position of each captured ultrasound image of the set and to record the orientation of each captured ultrasound image of the set; and a computer comprising a software module configured to enhance, on an individual basis, each captured ultrasound image of the set and to mark features of vertebra in selected ultrasound images of the set, and to connect the marked features with lines for calculating angles and distances between the marked features for calculating the Cobb angle and spinal rotation angle based on the calculated angles and distances; wherein the marked features are a reflection of the surfaces of the vertebra and wherein a marked feature corresponds to a peak of a spinous process or a transverse process, detected based on a 3D contour formed by the marked features.