DE102006029938A1 - Method, device and use of a fiber optic bending sensor for detecting a shape of at least part of a spinal column - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting a shape of at least part of a spinal column, in which at least one bending sensor, in particular a fiber-optic bending sensor, is connected to a skin of a patient lying in the region of a spinal column, a current shape of the spinal column the bending sensor is measured by means of a plurality of measured values and the measured values measured are transmitted to an evaluation unit. In addition, a use of the fiber optic bending sensor for detecting the shape of the spine is claimed in the invention.

Description

The The invention relates to a method, a device and a use a fiber optic bending sensor for detecting a shape of at least one Part of a spine.

• (a) Röntgen-, Kernspin- und/oder Computertomographiegeräte, die die Wirbelsäule in verschiedenen Projektionen aufnehmen und darstellen.
• (b) Spezielle Abtastgeräte, mit denen die Positionen der einzelnen Wirbel bestimmt werden können, beispielsweise mit einer Spine-Check-Mouse, wie aus http://www.dr-wolff.de bekannt.
• (c) Geräte, die die Rückenform mittels einer Kamera optisch vermessen. Dabei werden Einzelbilder oder eine Bildsequenz von einem optisch projiziertem Vermessungsgitter und/oder von Referenzmarken aufgenommen, die auf den Rücken aufgeklebt werden. Aus den aufgenommenen Bildern wird die Rückenform bestimmt.
• (d) Systeme, bei denen an mehreren Stellen der Wirbelsäule Messelemente angebracht werden. Zwischen den Messelementen wird mittels Ultraschallmessung eine relative Position der Messelemente zueinander bestimmt. Dabei kann die Messung über die Luft oder Haut erfolgen. Die Messung ermöglicht eine Erfassung einer Form der Wirbelsäule in verschiedenen Freiheitsgraden. Mit Hilfe einer Analysesoftware wird aus den Ergebnissen der gemessenen relativen Positionen ein ungefährer Verlauf der Wirbelsäule ermittelt. Ein Beispielprodukt für Ultraschalllaufzeitmessung in Luft und drei Messpunkten an der Wirbelsäule ist "Zebris" und für Ultraschalllaufzeitmessung in der Haut ist "SonoSense". Das Produkt "SonoSense" wird von einer Firma "Friendly Sensors", http://www.friendlysensors.de, und das Produkt "Zebris" (Zebris CMS20, CMS-HSL, CMS-HS) von einer Firma "Zebris Medical", http://www.zebris.de, vertrieben.

An estimated 15 to 30 percent of people suffer from chronic or acute back pain. The following methods are currently used for diagnosis:

• (a) X-ray, magnetic resonance and / or computed tomography devices that record and display the spine in different projections.
• (b) Special scanning devices with which the positions of the individual vertebrae can be determined, for example with a spine check mouse, as known from http://www.dr-wolff.de.
• (c) devices that visually measure the shape of the back by means of a camera. In this case, individual images or a sequence of images are taken by an optically projected surveying grid and / or reference marks, which are glued to the back. From the recorded images, the back shape is determined.
• (d) Systems where sensing elements are placed at multiple sites on the spine. Between the measuring elements, a relative position of the measuring elements relative to one another is determined by means of ultrasound measurement. The measurement can be done by air or skin. The measurement allows a detection of a shape of the spine in different degrees of freedom. With the help of an analysis software an approximate course of the spinal column is determined from the results of the measured relative positions. An example product for ultrasound transit time measurement in air and three measurement points on the spine is "Zebris" and for ultrasound transit time measurement in the skin is "SonoSense". The product "SonoSense" is from a company "Friendly Sensors", http://www.friendlysensors.de, and the product "Zebris" (Zebris CMS20, CMS-HSL, CMS-HS) from a company "Zebris Medical", http://www.zebris.de, distributed.

• (a) Die Lage der Wirbelsäule wird bei Röntgen-, Kernspin- und/oder Computertomographiegeräte in statischer Haltung eines Patienten aufgenommen, beispielsweise in liegender oder stehender Haltung.
• (b) Bei der Aufnahme der Lage der Wirbelsäule mittels Röntgenstrahlen besteht eine nicht unerhebliche Strahlenbelastung für den Patienten.
• (c) Bei Einsatz von Kernspin- und/oder Computertomographieaufnahmen zur Vermessung der Lage der Wirbelsäule entstehen nicht unerhebliche Kosten.
• (d) Bei einer optischen Vermessung der Lage der Wirbelsäule können neben statischen auch dynamische Lageänderungen erfasst werden. Jedoch ist eine derartige Messung, wegen eines stationären Messaufbaus, nur in einem Labor realisierbar, so dass eine dynamische Veränderung der Form der Wirbelsäule im Alltag des Patienten nicht erfassbar ist.
• (e) Wird die Wirbelsäule mit bspw. drei oder vier Ultraschallmesselementen vermessen, schränken die relativ großen Elemente die Bewegungsfreiheit des Patienten derart ein, dass nur ein geringes Bewegungsspektrum hiermit bestimmbar ist. Ferner wird die Messung mittels eines stationären Laboraufbaus durchgeführt, so dass diese Messmethodik dynamische Änderungen der Form der Wirbelsäule im Alltag des Patienten nicht erfassbar sind. Ferner ist bei diesen System nur eine beschränkte Messgenauigkeit gegeben.

These known methods for the diagnosis of the spine show some disadvantages.

• (a) The position of the spine is recorded in x-ray, magnetic resonance and / or computed tomography devices in the static posture of a patient, for example in a lying or standing posture.
• (b) When recording the position of the spine by means of X-rays there is a considerable radiation exposure for the patient.
• (c) The use of MRI and / or computed tomography scans to measure the position of the spine results in considerable costs.
• (d) In the case of an optical measurement of the position of the spine, not only static but also dynamic changes in position can be detected. However, such a measurement, because of a stationary measurement setup, only in a laboratory feasible, so that a dynamic change in the shape of the spine in everyday life of the patient is not detectable.
• (e) If the spine is measured with, for example, three or four ultrasound measuring elements, the relatively large elements restrict the freedom of movement of the patient such that only a small range of motion can be determined hereby. Furthermore, the measurement is carried out by means of a stationary laboratory setup, so that this measurement methodology dynamic changes of the shape of the spine in the everyday life of the patient can not be detected. Furthermore, in this system, only a limited measurement accuracy is given.

Of the Invention is based on the object, an apparatus and a method specify which avoids the known disadvantages.

These The object is solved by the independent claims. other Further developments are represented by the dependent claims.

at a method for detecting a shape of at least a part of a spinal column is at least one bending sensor, in particular a fiber optic Bend sensor with a patient's skin in the area of the spine connected, a current form of the spine by the bending sensor means Measured measured values and the measured values to a Evaluation unit transmitted.

By This procedure will allow both the shape of the entire spine as well as the shape of individual sections of the spine on malpositions to investigate. It is advantageous that in addition to static snapshots the shape of the spine also movements the spine form over a Duration can be detected. In particular, it is advantageous that the detection of the shape, and thus also a strain on the spine must not be carried out under laboratory conditions, but during the everyday work routines of the Patients, for example, at work or at home.

Further This approach proves to be easy to perform and is associated with low costs. In addition, eliminates a dangerous for the patient Radiation exposure, which can occur when creating an X-ray image.

In addition to a bending sensor can through Using a plurality of bending sensors, a measurement accuracy and / or a reliability of the measurement can be increased. The measurement accuracy can be increased in both a local and in a temporal dimension. If, for example, a number of measurements per unit of time are limited by a first bending sensor, the number of measurements per unit of time can be doubled or multiplied, for example, by at least one second bending sensor. Furthermore, by using at least two bending sensors in case of failure of one of the bending sensors, a recording of the measured values by the non-failed bending sensor can be ensured.

in the The scope of this invention is under the bending sensor, which with the im Area of the spine lying Skin of the patient is "connected" to understand that the bending sensor at least partially on in the field of spinal column lying skin lying on and movements of the spine only small changes in position learns for example, a few millimeters. Further, under "lying in the area of the spine Skin "to understand that the bending sensor over and / or next to the spine lying skin, wherein a position of the bending sensor is determined such that a detection of the shape of the spine is made possible.

Preferably is by the evaluation unit / a represented by the measured values current shape and / or movement of the spine for later Evaluation stored in a memory unit and / or in at least an acoustic, optical and / or tactile representation.

With Helping this extension allows the patient to capture the shape his spine capture in his everyday life. The detected movements can be immediate evaluated and displayed to the patient, for example, acoustically become. As an alternative to immediate evaluation, this can become a later Time to be made by a doctor. It is further beneficial to the patient, even if he is not explicit in everyday life on his posture pay attention, by extension, to his wrong attitude or his Movement is pointed and thus his posture can improve constantly.

moreover may be the shape as well as a movement of the spine, visually be visualized. Here, for example, on a display, the current form across from an optional form of the spine to the patient, so he gets up-to-date feedback about his posture. Further can also over a predeterminable time period are displayed in the form of a curve, when a form of the spine a healthy and / or unhealthy form. This is the patient will be able to keep track of his posture to receive within the time period.

Become an evaluation at least one piece of information for a good and / or poor shape of the spine by means of at least one Transfer parameter set, through these the measured values of the currently measured form of the spine with at least one of the parameter sets compared and upon detection of a good, i. healthy, and / or bad, i.e. unhealthy, form of the spine on the basis of comparison reproduced an acoustic, visual and / or tactile indication, so receives the patient promptly a feedback for his Posture, which is reflected in a good or bad form of the spine. In particular, by the doctor, the optimal attitude for the patient, i.e. Shape of the spine, or movement patterns are programmed into the evaluation unit, so that the evaluation of the current form to the needs the patient is optimally adaptable.

In a possible Training or alternative to this, the evaluation is at least one information for a good and / or bad shape or movement of the spine for a period of time passed by at least one parameter set, by the evaluation Measured values for each over the duration of the spinal column measured, a comparison between the over the time measured measured values and the at least one parameter set carried out and in recognizing a good and / or bad form or a good and / or bad movement of the spine Basis of the comparison is an acoustic, optical and / or tactile indication played.

Herewith In addition to a static form of a spine, the movement process can also be used the shape of the spine over one Period from a few seconds to hours or several days and evaluated. In particular, bad attitude patterns that over a longer Period stop or occur again and again, can be detected. For example, therapeutic measures for the patient can be used to avoid this maladaptation pattern individually created.

Become by the bending sensor different degrees of bending between each Vertebrae of the spine measured, so can in addition to the shape of the whole spine also individual sections The spine for error retention and / or good, i. healthy, attitude examined become.

• – zumindest ein Biegesensor, insbesondere ein faseroptischer Biegesensor, zum Messen einer aktuellen Form der Wirbelsäule mittels mehrerer Messwerte, wobei der Biegesensor mit einer im Bereich der Wirbelsäule liegenden Haut eines Patienten verbunden ist, und zum Übertragen der Messwerte an eine Auswerteeinheit;
• – eine Auswerteeinheit zum Speichern der durch die Messwerte repräsentierten aktuellen Form der Wirbelsäule zur späteren Auswertung in einer Speichereinheit und/oder zum akustischen, optischen und/oder taktilen Ausgeben der/des durch die Messwerte repräsentierten aktuellen Form und/oder Bewegungsablaufs der Wirbelsäule.

The invention also relates to a device for detecting a shape of at least part of a Spine, which includes the following units:

• At least one bending sensor, in particular a fiber-optic bending sensor, for measuring a current shape of the spine by means of a plurality of measured values, wherein the bending sensor is connected to a skin of a patient located in the area of the spinal column, and for transmitting the measured values to an evaluation unit;
• An evaluation unit for storing the current shape of the spinal column represented by the measured values for later evaluation in a memory unit and / or for the acoustic, optical and / or tactile output of the current shape and / or movement sequence of the spine represented by the measured values.

• – Aufnehmen von zumindest einer Information für eine guten und/oder schlechten Form der Wirbelsäule mittels zumindest eines Parametersatzes;
• – Vergleichen der Messwerte der aktuell gemessenen Form der Wirbelsäule mit zumindest einem der Parametersätze;
• – Ausgeben bei Erkennen einer guten und/oder schlechten Form der Wirbelsäule auf Grundlage des Vergleichs durch einen akustischen, optischen und/oder taktilen Hinweis.

Furthermore, the evaluation unit can perform the following additional functions:

• - Receiving at least one piece of information for a good and / or bad form of the spine by means of at least one parameter set;
• Comparing the measured values of the currently measured shape of the spine with at least one of the parameter sets;
• - Output on recognition of a good and / or bad form of the spine on the basis of the comparison by an acoustic, optical and / or tactile indication.

• – Aufnehmen von zumindest einer Information für eine guten und/oder schlechten Form und/oder einen guten und/oder schlechten Bewegungsablaufs der Wirbelsäule für eine Zeitdauer mittels zumindest eines Parametersatzes;
• – Erfassen von Messwerten für jeweils über der Zeitdauer gemessene Formen der Wirbelsäule;
• – Vergleichen der über der Zeitdauer gemessenen Messwerte und dem zumindest einen Parametersatz;
• – Wiedergabe eines akustischen, optischen und/oder taktilen Hinweises bei Erkennen einer guten und/oder schlechten Form oder eines guten und/oder schlechten Bewegungsablaufs der Wirbelsäule auf Grundlage des Vergleichs.

In an alternative, the evaluation unit performs the following additional functions:

• - Recording at least one piece of information for a good and / or bad shape and / or a good and / or bad movement of the spine for a period of time by means of at least one parameter set;
• - acquiring readings for respective spine shapes measured over the period of time;
• Comparing the measured values measured over the period of time and the at least one parameter set;
• - Reproduction of an acoustic, visual and / or tactile indication upon detection of a good and / or bad shape or a good and / or poor movement of the spine on the basis of the comparison.

With Help of the device comprising the bending sensor and evaluation unit, the method is implementable and executable.

Preferably the bending sensor of the device is suitable for the shape of the spine by different To measure bending degrees between individual vertebrae of the spine. This is the shape of the spine in sections, for example for each vertebra separately, measurable. In addition to measuring the degree of bending for each Whirl separately, the respective degree of bending for several Swirls are determined together, for example, each for three vertebrae. The degree of bending can be determined in one or more dimensions become.

includes the device a portable power supply that is suitable the bending sensor and / or the evaluation unit with electric current supply, so the detection and / or evaluation of the measured Measurements are self-sufficient, for example, during a hiking tour or during sports.

The Device and / or the method may be the comparison of at least a parameter set with the recorded measured values by means of a pairwise value comparison, using a neural network, that is trained by the at least one parameter set and, that for one or multiple readings a result for the good, i. healthy, or bad, i. indicates unhealthy, shape or movement of the spine, or perform by means of a prohibitive evaluation. a In addition to these evaluation methods, further evaluation methods are known to a person skilled in the art. so that's not closer will be received.

The The invention also relates to a use of a fiber optic bending sensor for detecting at least part of a shape of a spinal column, wherein the fiber-optic bending sensor with a lying in the region of a spine Skin of a patient is connected to a current form of the spine the fiber optic bending sensor by means of several measured values measurable is, and the measured values measured by the fiber optic bending sensor can be transmitted to an evaluation unit are. Here, the measurement of the current shape of the spine with a high measurement accuracy feasible. Furthermore, it is ensured by using the fiber optic bending sensor, that electromagnetic fields, e.g. near broadcasting towers, the measurement of the shape of the spine do not influence. Furthermore, by the fiber optic bending sensor the shape of the spine measurable by different degrees of bending between individual vertebrae of the spine.

The Invention and its developments are described below with reference to Drawings closer explained.

It demonstrate:

1 Attaching a fiber optic bending sensor by means of an adhesive tape to the spine;

2 Schematic structure of an arrangement for detecting a position of the spine by means of the fiber optic bending sensor and an evaluation unit;

Elements with the same function and mode of action are in the 1 and 2 provided with the same reference numerals.

In 1 is a fiber optic bending sensor S to see, which is glued by means of an adhesive tape K along a spine W on the skin of a patient P. The bending sensor is subdivided longitudinally into several measuring segments that cover one or more vertebrae. Each measuring segment measures one, two or three bending angles of the entire segment. Furthermore, a longitudinal elongation of the segment can additionally be measured. The fiber-optic bending sensor S has for each measuring segment one to four internal optical fibers (for each bending angle and optionally for the longitudinal measurement per one fiber) with a special surface treatment, depending on the bending radius at a predeterminable length position of the fiber loses transmission or gain. The type and position of the surface treatment and the laying of the fiber within the measuring segment determine which bending axis or longitudinal extension of the measuring segment the fiber is sensitive to.

For each measuring segment, the fiber-optic bending sensor S has three internal light-conducting fibers with a special surface treatment which, depending on the bending radius, loses or gains in transmission at a prescribable length position of the fiber. The fiber-optic bending sensor measures the position of the vertebrae and thus a bending of the intervertebral discs, for example, in 8 segments by means of 24 fibers. Hereby, the fiber optic bending sensor S is able to detect the position of the spine in three dimensions and in eight length positions. In addition to an x and y position, which is detected orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the fiber optic bending sensor, a torsion is determined by the respective third fiber. This fiber-optic bending sensor S is known to a person skilled in the art, for example in the field of automotive engineering, in particular from the patent specifications DE 10 2005 046 930.2 or US 5,633,494 , Therefore, the fiber optic bending sensor S will not be discussed in more detail. As a tape is particularly suitable skin-friendly skin patch.

At temporal intervals, ie in a time period T, for example of 1/50 second, a current position of the spinal column is measured by the fiber-optic bending sensor by means of a plurality of measured values M. Each set of measured values M is transferred by the fiber-optic bending sensor to an evaluation unit A, wherein the fiber-optic bending sensor is connected to the evaluation unit A by means of a wire connection, a radio transmission or an optical data transmission. The structure of a device comprising the bending sensor and the evaluation unit is in 2 shown in more detail.

In the following exemplary embodiment, a set of measured values in three dimensions is measured in each case at three length positions. The three measured values M1, M2 and M3 have the following three values:

For each measured value, a value of a parameter set Q is assigned, which describes a good or a bad position of the spine, ie a correct or faulty posture of the patient. These have the following appearance in this embodiment:

A Analysis unit Y of the evaluation unit A compares the set of measured values with the parameter set. The respective measured values deviate more than a measuring unit of the value associated with the respective measured value of the parameter set, there is a malposition of the patient before, i. a bad form of the spine. In this case, the Patient by means of an advisory tone, a tactile warning signal and / or an optical signal, for example by flashing a lamp or by graphical statement on a display, pointed out his maladjustment.

• (a) Subtraktion des jeweiligen Messwerts von dem dazugehörigen Wert des Parametersatzes;
• (b) Betragsbildung des Subtraktionsergebnisses;
• (c) Vergleich, ob das Ergebnis der Betragsbildung jeweils gleich oder kleiner einer vorgebbaren Schwelle, im Ausführungsbeispiel eine oder keine Messwerteinheit beträgt.
• (d) Ergibt der Vergleich, dass keiner der Werte die Schwelle überschreitet, so liegt eine richtige Haltung vor, ansonsten ein fehlerhafte Haltung.

In the above embodiment, each measured value is the same in each case or differs only by one measuring unit from the respective value of the parameter set. This comparison can be written by the following steps:

• (a) subtracting the respective measured value from the associated value of the parameter set;
• (b) amount formation of the subtraction result;
• (C) Comparison of whether the result of the amount formation is equal to or less than a predefinable threshold, in the embodiment, one or no measurement unit.
• (d) If the comparison shows that none of the values exceeds the threshold, then there is a correct attitude, otherwise a faulty attitude.

For the above embodiment, this is:

Since the result of the comparison for none of the respective values is the threshold of a measurement value unit, ie one, exceeds the current shape of the spine indicates a correct attitude of the patient.

Instead of If there is an indication of a malposition, the indication, e.g. a green looking LED, with correct attitude spent.

In a further embodiment should instead of a single measurement of the current position of the spine a Evaluation of a movement sequence of the spine over a predefinable period of time T, e.g. 5 minutes, to be analyzed. It will be every 1/60 second Measured values M recorded and in a memory unit S of the evaluation A cached. After acquiring the measured values over T = 5 Minutes, the acquired measured values are compared to the parameter set analyzed the analysis unit Y. It is found that the patient a wrong attitude about a longer period, e.g. For 45 seconds, has taken, because during this period has For example, the shape of the spine has not changed. These Malposition, i. wrong form or wrong movement of the spine, is detected by the evaluation and the patient by means of a acoustic alarm sounds communicated. In this embodiment, the or the parameter sets individually in dependence the needs of the patient created by the doctor and in a device which the evaluation includes, has been programmed.

The Evaluation unit A is a portable device which, for example, on the belt of the Patients can be attached. It includes besides an input device E for entering the parameter sets, the storage unit S for the organized storage of the measured measured values, an output device U and the evaluation unit A. The output device U includes a speaker and a red LED, with the speaker and indicate the red LED acoustically and visually, if an incorrect one or right form of the spine at one time and / or over a period has been recognized. In an alternative and / or additional embodiment the output unit U includes these a vibration generator, the haptic indicating the wrong or alternatively the correct form of the spine, wherein the shape is determined at a time and / or over a period of time. additionally the device has a wire connection to the bending sensor S. on that for transfer the measured values is used. The evaluation unit A and the bending sensor S form a device V.

Claims (12)

Method for detecting a shape of at least part of a spinal column, characterized in that at least one bending sensor (S), in particular a fiber-optic bending sensor, is connected to a skin (H) of a patient (P) lying in the region of a spinal column (W) Current form of the spine (W) by the bending sensor (S) by means of several measured values (M) is measured, the measured values measured (M) are transmitted to an evaluation unit (A). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that by an evaluation unit (A) a through the measured values (M) Current shape and / or movement of the spine (W) for later Evaluation stored in a memory unit (S) and / or in at least one acoustic, optical and / or tactile representation is reproduced. Method according to one of the preceding claims, thereby marked that an evaluation unit (A) at least one information for a good and / or bad form of the spine (W) by means of at least one Transfer parameter set (P) becomes, by the evaluation unit (A) the measured values (M) of the current measured form of the spine (W) is compared with at least one of the parameter sets (P), at Recognizing a good and / or bad form of the spine (W) based on the comparison of an acoustic, optical and / or tactile indication is reproduced. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, thereby marked that an evaluation unit (A) at least one information for a good and / or bad shape or movement of the spine (W) for one Time duration (T) passed by means of at least one parameter set (P) becomes, by the evaluation unit (A) measured values (M) for each above the Duration (T) measured forms of the spine (W) are detected, one Comparison between the over the time duration (T) measured values (M) and the at least one Parameter set (P) performed becomes, in recognizing a good and / or bad form or a good and / or bad movement of the spine (W) based on the comparison of an acoustic, optical and / or tactile indication is reproduced. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that by the bending sensor (S) different degrees of bending between individual vertebrae (N) of the spine (W) are measured. Device for detecting a shape of at least one Part of a spine, thereby marked that the device comprises the following units: - at least a bending sensor (S), in particular a fiber optic bending sensor, for measuring a current shape of the spine (W) by means of several measured values (M), wherein the bending sensor (B) with a in the region of the spine (W) lying skin (H) of a patient (P), and for transmission the measured values (M) to an evaluation unit (A); - an evaluation unit (A) for storing the value represented by the measured values (M) current shape and / or movement of the spine (W) for later Evaluation in a memory unit (S) and / or for acoustic, optical and / or tactile output of at least one representative the current shape represented by the measured values (M) and / or Movement of the spine (W). Device according to claim 6, characterized, that the evaluation unit (A) performs the following functions: - Take up of at least one piece of information for a good and / or a bad one Shape of the spine (W) by means of at least one parameter set (P); - To compare the measured values (M) of the currently measured shape of the spine (W) with at least one of the parameter sets (P) - Output an acoustic, optical and / or tactile indication in recognition a good and / or bad form of the spine (W) based on the comparison. Device according to claim 6, characterized, that the evaluation unit (A) performs the following functions: - Take up of at least one piece of information for a good and / or a bad one Shape and / or for a good and / or bad movement of the spine (W) for one Duration (T) by means of at least one parameter set (P); - To capture of measured values (M) for each over forms of the spine (W) measured over time (T); - To compare the over the measured duration (T) measured values (M) and the at least one Parameter set (P); - Playback an acoustic, optical and / or tactile indication in recognition a good and / or bad shape and / or movement The spine (W) based on the comparison. Device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized that the bending sensor (S) is suitable for the shape of the spine (W) by different degrees of bending between individual vertebrae (N) of the spinal column (W) to measure. Device according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized that the device comprises a portable power supply (E), which is suitable, the bending sensor (S) and / or the evaluation unit (A) to supply with electric current. Use of a fiber optic bending sensor (S) for detecting a shape of at least part of a spinal column, thereby marked that the fiber optic bending sensor (S) with one in the region of a spine (W) lying skin (H) of a patient (P) is connected, a Current shape and / or movement of the spine (W) through the fiber optic bending sensor (S) by means of several measured values (M) are measurable, the measured values (M) through the fiber optic Bending sensor to an evaluation unit (A) can be transmitted. Use of a fiber optic bending sensor (S) according to claim 11, characterized in that by the fiber optic bending sensor (S) the shape of the spine (W) by different degrees of bending between individual vertebrae (N) The spine (W) are measurable.