Spine Scanning Protocol

Tools needed:

• Sonix Touch ultrasound machine
• C5 gps probe
• One Model 800 sensors (large white brick)
• Computer running Slicer connected to Sonix Touch through local network
• Make sure SlicerIGT extension is installed in Slicer
• Ultrasound gel
• Paper towels

Workflow

• Connect two sensors to the tracker control box: Plug probe sensor to Transducer 1, plug Reference sensor to Transducer 2.
• Start PlusServer application on Sonix Touch. Make sure version number contains "4412"
• Select config file in Plus Server: S:\data\Scoliosis\ConfigFiles\Spine_C5_d100_v01.xml
• Start Slicer on the desktop computer
• Create OpenIGTLink connection: IP = 130.15.7.75, port = 18944 (These are displayed in Plus Server.)
• Go to PlusRemote module in Slicer
• Click >> button next to "Start recording" to access recording options
• Change file name according to e.g. Scan01-Top_Subject04.mha
• Check "Add timestamp to filename"
• Volunteer reads and signs consent form
• Check if the volunteer already has a subject number in our shared Excel table
• Check your operator number in the same Excel table
• Ask volunteer to remove or open clothes on the back
• Place reference sensor on the belt or back of waist. Make sure orientation is always the same.
• Ask volunteer to put forehead and toes against the wall, and push the shoulders forward
• Make sure there is enough gel on the back
• Find the T1 level (just below the prominent C7 vertebra)
• Scan and save data in two portions. Stop and save approximately halfway on the back to apply more gel.
• On Sonix Touch go to D:/PlusPackages/PlusApp-2.3.0.4412.../Data
• Move recorded data on the S: drive. One scan session, one volunteer is going to one folder. Name the folder as 2016-08-15_Op04_Subject04. Where Op04 is the operator number, and Subject04 is the volunteer number (both in shared Excel table).