Investigation of Robotic Braces of Patients With Idiopathic Scoliosis (Is) — Review of the Literature and Description of a Novel Brace

Abstract

Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a complex three-dimensional (3D) deformity. The non-operative treatments for IS have been developed for a long time. According to current studies, hard braces are more effective than soft braces for the treatment of scoliosis. Though current braces are proved to be effective for the treatment of IS, there are several shortcomings needed to be overcome: (i) Braces cannot realize precise control over a specific vertebra. (ii) Braces affect cardiopulmonary efficiency (braces limit maximal exercise performance). (iii) The brace is not modulated based on user’s needs. (iv) Braces, including motions during eating, tying shoes, sitting, and standing. (v) Braces apply forces on skin, which causes pain, skin breakdown, and abnormal deformation of bone. In order to solve these boring problems of the current braces, this paper proposed a new intelligent robotic spine brace based on the principle of human biomechanics, three point pressure treatment theory and parallel mechanism theory. This novel brace can offer 3D active dynamic adjustable corrective forces for the treatment of IS and some experiments are employed for verifying the effect of the proposed brace.

Case series: 3D printed orthopedic brace combined with traditional manipulative physiotherapy to treat new-onset scoliosis in adults

“…①The brace made by 3D printing technology was used in this study, customized and modeled according to the shape of each patient's treatment hand, 1:1 restored the angle and location of the therapist's manual treatment, precise treatment for the lesion area, and treatment time of one hour. [ 18 ] ②The 3D printing brace in this study has the ability to perform three-dimensional correction for the rotation deformity of the axial plane and the deformity of the sagittal plane and the horizontal plane. [ 19 ] The 3D printed orthopedic brace realized the reduction therapist's technique at the same time and realized the rotation and sagittal deformity of the axial plane simultaneously.…”

Actuator and Contact Force Modeling of an Active Soft Brace for Scoliosis

“…The use of bracing was reduced in the early 20th century due to innovations in surgical treatment [ 9 ]. However, it again attracted attention when complications started to appear in surgical treatments in the late 20th century.…”

“…Although rigid braces are considered to be more effective in the treatment of scoliosis [ 29 ]. There are certain shortcomings associated with the rigid braces: (i) rigid static nature of these braces largely limit mobility of the spine and can result in muscle atrophy, spine stiffness, and flat back issues; (ii) rigid braces affect cardiopulmonary efficiency; (iii) reduction in the physiotherapy exercise potential; (iv) long construction time; (v) socio-economic implications; (vi) rigid braces causes abnormal bone deformation and skin breakdown [ 9 , 30 ]. Soft braces on the other hand are more compliant and enhance comfort but have a less corrective effect.…”

Spinal Deformities and Advancement in Corrective Orthoses

“…In the early 20th century, the use of braces was reduced due to surgical intervention, until the mid-20th century when complications started to emerge in spinal surgeries. This drew attention back to the conventional brace treatment [ 4 ].…”

“…Several literature studies [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ] have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of corrective orthoses. These studies mainly considered the selection of the effective brace type and predictive factors (compliance, curve magnitude, growth stage, body mass index, and exercise potential) that contribute to promising outcomes.…”