Currently, assessments of scoliosis are done by means of clinical examination and full spinal x-rays. Multiple exposure to ionizing radiation, however, can be hazardous to the child and costly. Here we explain the use of a noninvasive imaging technique for quantifying the three-dimensional (3D) trunk surface topography that can be used to estimate parameters of 3D deformity of the spine. A laser optical scanning system produces a topographical mapping of the entire torso. In conjunction an accurate 3D reconstruction of the spine and rib cage can be developed from the digitized x-ray images of the scoliotic patient. Data from the surface laser scans and bone geometry from x-rays have been collected for 26 scoliotic patients. The technique provides the foundation for future work using neural networks to assess relations between internal bone geometry and external surface geometry of the torso.