Statistical shape modelling of the human lumbar spine: a scoping review characterising the research landscape and potential clinical applications
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Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Objective: A systematic scoping review was conducted to characterise the current research landscape of statistical shape modelling of the lumbar spine, focusing on the proposed clinical applications of the method. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, IEEE Xplore, and Scopus were searched for sources published before December 2024. Sources were screened against predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and data were extracted using a structured form in Covidence. Results: 2,363 records were identified for review. Following duplicate removal and screening, 78 studies remained for data extraction. Most studies were exploratory (59%) or descriptive (13%) in nature. The vertebral body was the most frequently isolated region, with L5 often excluded due to its anatomical distinctiveness. Reporting of population demographics and dataset composition was highly inconsistent, highlighting substantial heterogeneity in both methodology and population selection. Conclusion: The use of lumbar spine statistical shape models (SSMs) has been predominantly exploratory or descriptive, and clinical evaluation of the method remains limited to early benchmarking against gold standard methods. In the short term, SSMs are well suited to exploratory analyses of clinical populations, revealing patterns not captured by conventional measures. Progress will benefit from training data aligned to defined clinical questions, adequate sample sizes and demographic breadth, and consistent reporting of validation metrics such as compactness, generalisability and specificity. This will enable development towards a technology that can lead to meaningful clinical translation.
Date Acceptance
2026-08-10
Citation
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
ISSN
2296-4185
Publisher
Frontiers Media S.A.
Journal / Book Title
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Copyright Statement
Copyright This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the Version of Record (VoR) will be available on immediate open access.
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Publication Status
Accepted