Issue 24-4, 2025

Original article

https://doi.org/10.38025/2078-1962-2025-24-4-96-112

Standardized Approaches to Medical Photography in the Practical Activity of a Traumatologist and Orthopedic Surgeon: a Diagnostic Study

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ORCIDSergey V. Vasilevich*

Saint-Petersburg Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, Saint-Petersburg, Russia


ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION.  Photographing patients is an affordable and justified method of diagnosis and documentation, which should be actively used when contacting patients with pathology of the musculoskeletal system. At the same time, the basic requirements for the execution of photographs have not yet been agreed upon, with the help of which a comprehensive assessment of the current state and changes can be carried out. The creation of optimal standards for photogrammetry would improve the information content of the results, would allow for exchange between specialists, including in related fields.

AIM.  To substantiate standardized approaches to performing medical photography of patients with orthopedic pathology to improve qualitative and quantitative assessment of orthopedic status indicators and treatment continuity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS.  The publication describes the experience of practical application of photogrammetry in assessing the orthopedic status of patients with musculoskeletal pathology and possible ways of standardization for performing medical photography.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION.  As a result of the work, the following conclusions can be drawn: performing 4 photos of the body (rear view, side view with full head and leg capture, Adams test from front and back) in 95–98 % of cases, it allows you to diagnose static disorders of the spine and lower extremities. When assessing the function of a limb (amplitude of movements in joints) or conducting functional tests, it is justified to document the examination area as fully as possible with the capture of conjugate segments. When photographing, it is necessary to ensure uniform, not bright illumination from the center of the photographed area in order to preserve the penumbra and the possibility of assessing the asymmetry of the body surface. When photographing a patient, the camera should be correctly oriented in three planes of space to eliminate distortions associated with its tilt. To do this, it is possible to use software solutions or photograph the patient against the background of reference rectangular objects (followed by the use of photo editors). To improve the perception and analysis of photographs, it is justified to use auxiliary tools and solutions (software applications, laser levels, markings on the patient’s body, diagnostic grids, projection of video images onto the patient’s body, uniform non-bright illumination to contrast asymmetries of the body surface, etc.).

CONCLUSION.  It is advisable to photograph the patient so that the analyzed area of the body occupies 80–95 % of the screen area. The diagonal of the mobile device screen for visual evaluation is at least 8 inches (optimally 11–12 inches for tablets or more in the case of stationary monitors). The ability to scale the resulting image is important, as it allows you to detail the observed changes. The integration of photographs of patients with visible pathology of the musculoskeletal system into medical information systems with the ability to analyze images is promising.


KEYWORDS: photogrammetry, diagnostics, scoliosis, orthopedics, screening studies, standardization

FOR CITATION:

Vasilevich S.V. Standardized Approaches to Medical Photography in the Practical Activity of a Traumatologist and Orthopedic Surgeon: a Diagnostic Study. Bulletin of Rehabilitation Medicine. 2025; 24(4): 96–112.https://doi.org/10.38025/2078-1962-2025-24-4-89-95 https://doi.org/10.38025/2078-1962-2025-24-4-96-112 (In Russ.). 

FOR CORRESPONDENCE:

Sergey V. Vasilevich, Е-mail: svasilevich@mail.ru, ogonek@zdrav.spb.ru


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