CobbMeter CE vs CobbAngleApp

CobbMeter is a medical tool designed to measure the Cobb angle, the kyphosis angle, and the sacral slope on vertical spine radiographs. It is intended to the Spinal care professional, and turns the iPhone into a professional measuring tool. " I designed CobbMeter with Regis Rigal as the professional tool I had always needed in my everyday practice in both Orthopedic Spine Surgery and Spinal non operative care. A tool that fits in the pocket in the very same device that I use to manage my busy schedule, that I can call immediately by pressing an icon, and which can be used on both regular radiographs or even a (vertical) computer screen to measure accurately the Cobb angle in spinal deformities, but also the kyphosis angle in spinal fractures and the sacral slope in degenerative and deformitic conditions. All that one has to do in using the device is align the side of the iPhone to the standard tracings we use routinely, and the position sensor built in the iPhone will do the rest. The precision of the device itself is 1/10th of a degree, far more precise than the precision of the measure as determined in everyday practice and the literature. Measures are logged for further use and may be sent by e-mail to the surgeon or staff for recording purposes, with the levels of the measured curve, type of curve and patient id or number. A calibration procedure was also implemented to accurately measure the angle with the horizontal plane as in the sacral slope. Through though the developpement, Regis has shown an extraordinary sense of patience and astounding programming skills so as to accurately provide a tool that fits the needs of the surgeon and the spine care provider to best treat the patients ; and I thank him for his efforts. I am very proud of releasing this small software in the community, and I hope it will facilitate a little bit the life of my dear colleagues and the patients. I thank the colleagues who gave me their kind advice on the software during its developpement and wish they will find it useful." Dr Frederic Jacquot Chirurgien du Rachis Chirurgien Orthopédiste, Chirurgien des Hôpitaux de Paris

Cobb method is considered the standard for measuring curve size in scoliosis. Cobb angles are always measured from the superior end plate of the most cephalad end vertebra to the inferior end plate of the most caudal end vertebra in the curve. Meticulous line drawings and precise measurements is paramount importance in order to quantify the magnitude of spinal deformities and monitor the success or failure of treatment for scoliosis. The CobbAngleApp is medical software aimed for orthopaedic surgeons, providing tools that allow doctors to: -Securely import medical images directly from the camera or stored photos. -Offers a very convenient way to determine the most accurate possibly way at once. By marking four points at the same X-ray, at each spine the App calculates the Cobb angle. In cases where values are out of normal ranges, the scoliosis is categorized according to measured angle as mild, moderate, severe. To simplify the process and to minimize inter-observer errors usually by not selecting the actual end vertebra, the app offers also in ext mode the ability to draw the vertical reference line through the patient’s sacrum and to identify more easily the end vertebrae s (ext method). -Save the planned images, the measured values and results compared by normal reference databases, for later review or consultation. -The app also is independent from errors produced by image inclination. Especially developed module allows the user to measure accurately without to worry about the tilting of the picture or the X-ray. All information received from the software output must be clinically reviewed regarding its plausibility before patient treatment! CobbAngleApp indicated for assisting healthcare professionals. Clinical judgment and experience are required to properly use the software. The software is not for primary image interpretation. In a busy everyday practice, the examiner have to draw lines in X-rays or in clinical settings, this it is time consuming and cumbersome. Accessory instruments like protractors, hinged goniometers, well sharp pencils, rulers or even transparent papers must be available. The app offers a very convenient and also accurate way to perform most common radiographic measurements for spine, in a blink of an eye in front of your screen. The build in feature of the app, allows results to be categorized may help decide what could be considered normal or pathologic. The app is not a simple goniometer, is an enhanced product which helps to monitor objectively the course of the treatment and evaluate optimally the spine. This App is particular useful especially in clinical settings where you need a quick results without losing time. Please see tutorial videos at the developer’s web site www.orthopractis.com Reference databases 1. Cobb JR. Outline for the study of scoliosis. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Instructional Course Lectures. Vol. 5. Ann Arbor, MI: Edwards; 1948.