Radiation-free spine scan compared with X-ray damage in axial spondyloarthritis
Compares a radiation-free back posture scan with X-ray spine damage in 53 adults.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Surface Topography and Radiographic Spinal Damage in Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis
Key facts
- Where
- Ankara, TürkiyeSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Source: NCT07855393, who can take part
Where in Türkiye
- Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationAnkara, TürkiyeContact: Seyma Alkan, Medical DoctorTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- Ankara Etlik City Hospital
- Trial code
- NCT07855393
- Record updated
- 12 November 2026
- Original description
Radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) causes progressive structural damage of the spine, conventionally quantified on lateral cervical and lumbar radiographs using the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS). Repeated radiography entails cumulative radiation exposure, substantial inter-reader variability and low sensitivity in early disease. DIERS Formetric 4D (four-dimensional) surface topography (DIERS International GmbH, Schlangenbad, Germany) provides radiation-free three-dimensional modelling of the spine and pelvis. The association between sagittal balance and structural damage has been demonstrated with a radiation-based biplanar low-dose radiography system (EOS imaging, Paris, France), but whether a radiation-free topographic method reflects the same association has not been investigated.Read full original descriptionShow less
Association Between Static Spinal Posture Assessed by Surface Topography (DIERS) and Radiographic Structural Damage (Modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score, mSASSS) in Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) causes progressive structural damage of the spine, conventionally quantified on lateral cervical and lumbar radiographs using the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS). Repeated radiography entails cumulative radiation exposure, substantial inter-reader variability and low sensitivity in early disease. DIERS Formetric 4D (four-dimensional) surface topography (DIERS International GmbH, Schlangenbad, Germany) provides radiation-free three-dimensional modelling of the spine and pelvis. The association between sagittal balance and structural damage has been demonstrated with a radiation-based biplanar low-dose radiography system (EOS imaging, Paris, France), but whether a radiation-free topographic method reflects the same association has not been investigated.
This single-centre, cross-sectional observational study will enrol 53 adults with r-axSpA fulfilling the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria with radiographic sacroiliitis according to the modified New York criteria. At a single study visit, static DIERS Formetric 4D measurements, chest expansion, the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) and the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score with C-reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP) are obtained. mSASSS is scored by a single reader, blinded to clinical and topographic data, on existing lateral cervical and lumbar radiographs obtained within the preceding 12 months; no additional radiographs are performed for the study. The primary analysis is the correlation between total mSASSS and the DIERS flèche cervicale (cervical sagittal anterior displacement).
Inclusion: Age 18 to 65 years; Diagnosis of radiographic axial spondyloarthritis fulfilling the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria, confirmed by radiographic sacroiliitis according to the modified New York criteria; Able to provide written informed consent and to complete the assessments; Available lateral cervical and lumbar radiographs obtained within the 12 months preceding the DIERS measurement.
Exclusion: Orthopaedic conditions affecting posture, balance or gait (ununited fracture, previous spinal or lower extremity surgery); Neurological disease affecting balance, posture or gait (for example Parkinson disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebellar or vestibular disorders, history of stroke); History of lower extremity joint arthroplasty (hip or knee); Advanced cardiopulmonary disease, active infection or malignancy; Pregnancy.