What You Should Know:
– Cedars-Sinai Spine has launched an innovative pilot program at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, revolutionizing scoliosis management for pediatric patients by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) for radiation-free, at-home monitoring and brace compliance tracking.
– The program leverages Momentum Spine, an AI-driven mobile spine-imaging and monitoring platform, a graduate of the Cedars-Sinai Accelerator program. This platform offers a groundbreaking approach to personalized monitoring of spinal deformities, significantly reducing the lifelong risks associated with repeated radiation exposure.
Momentum Spine’s Mobile Spine Imaging & Monitoring Platform
At the heart of the pilot program is Momentum Spine’s AI-powered, 3D-scanning technology, which enables radiation-free scoliosis assessments and generates detailed digital models of the patient’s spine. Parents utilize a user-friendly mobile application to capture a 45-second video of their child standing still, while walking around them. The app then automatically converts this video into a 3D model, which is analyzed by AI to determine the Cobb angle—a crucial measurement used by healthcare providers to assess spinal curvature in conditions like scoliosis. Both the 3D model and the AI-driven analysis results are securely shared with the patient’s care team via a dedicated web portal.
Furthermore, patients are equipped with electronic sensors that are seamlessly integrated into their custom-fitted back braces. This advanced sensor technology, combined with AI-driven, 3D analytics, empowers clinicians to optimize treatment strategies and provide personalized feedback to patients and their families.
“This technology is a true game changer, allowing many of our patients outside Southern California to receive radiation-free scoliosis assessments without the need for travel,” said David Skaggs, MD, co-director of Cedars-Sinai Spine, executive vice chair of the Department of Orthopaedics and director of Pediatric Orthopaedics at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s. “Scoliosis can progress rapidly in growing children; this tool allows us to monitor changes closely and intervene early when needed.”
