A visualisation tool for augmenting assessment of ankylosing spondylitis.

ABSTRACT

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic condition which requires clinical assessment to inform the management of AS, the intent being to alleviate the symptoms and to improve the health of the suffering person. An integral part of the current assessment is the measurements taken of a number of subjective and objective factors that affect the person's health status. There is growing awareness that the protocols and means of taking the measurements are both inaccurate and inconsistent. This paper addresses how such assessments may be augmented by utilizing 3-dimensional visualisation technology to collect and present data of this multifaceted condition. The final goal of the research is to provide a relevant tool for AS that can be used in both clinical and home settings. It is designed to directly support the therapeutic regime, to enhance assessment, to provide meaningful feedback to both AS sufferers and clinicians alike and to facilitate the collection of objective evidence relating to the condition.