Abstract
Idiopathic scoliosis is a complicated orthopedic disorder marked by a side-to-side curvature of the spine, the cause of which is unknown and it predominantly affects children and adolescents.
The Cobb angle is the conventional technique for evaluating the severity of scoliosis through X-rays; however, it has limitations, including inter and intra-observer variability that can compromise measurement accuracy. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology presents a promising radiation-free alternative by generating accurate three-dimensional models of the body’s anatomy through the use of laser pulses to measure distances. The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy and reproducibility of the Spine3D system as compared to traditional radiographs.

Conducted at Sant’Andrea University Hospital in Rome from September 2022 to 2024, the study involved patients aged 10 to 18 diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis. Participants’ weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were recorded and a detailed evaluation was conducted using the Spine3D system, which employs infrared cameras to assess spinal alignment and X-rays.
The study included 26 adolescents, showing no significant difference between Cobb angles measured via X-rays (30.1 degrees) and Spine3D (29.9 degrees). Intra-observer reliability was high for both methods, with Spine3D demonstrating superior consistency. Differences were observed in measurements such as lordotic angles, attributed to variations in postural stance.
The Spine3D system for measuring the Cobb angle proved to be reliable and efficient, suggesting it could be integrated into clinical practice alongside radiographic monitoring. Future studies are necessary to further explore the clinical application of Spine3D in tracking spinal curvature throughout treatment.