Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
regression equations and, on the other hand, using
functional methods. To analyze gait, the most important
internal anatomical landmark to locate is the center of the
femoral head, to define the anatomical coordinate system of
the femur. Regression equations have been proposed on the
basis of statistical analysis to define, using some
anthropometric lengths measured on the pelvis of the subject
analyzed, the position of this point. These regressions have
been established either from medical images of a relatively
small sample of adult males [BEL 89, DAV 91] or from direct
measurements on several cadaver specimens [DE 96,
SEI 95]. Therefore, although this type of regression is
implemented in most clinical analysis softwares, caution
must be taken when using these regressions for a clinical
application, given the low number of samples used to
establish them and the unsuitability of the coefficients for
the analysis of females or children. More recently, regression
equations determined using imaging of children aged 5-13
years, both healthy and those with cerebral palsy, have been
published [HAR 07].
Figure 4.5.
Regressions for the center of the femoral head
(HJC) and knee (KJC) modified according to [DE 96]
