A 3-D parametric biomechanical skeleton model for posture and spine shape analysis.

A project has been undertaken by our group to merge different segmental biomechanical models presented in literature into a full 3D parametric human skeleton representation, based on opto-electronic measurements. The obtained 3D skeleton model can then be fitted to each subject's anthropometrical characteristics. The accuracy and precision of this model relies both on anatomical findings (cadaver dissections, in vivo measurements, and parametric regression equations) reported in literature and on the approach and signal processing procedures we largely described and discussed in previous papers. The aim of this work is to present and describe the above mentioned 3D parametric biomechanical skeleton model. This model and the related graphical software package have been developed as a clinical tool for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and they are currently used in different clinical centres.