Scoliosis orthopedic appliance

Abstract

The invention provides a scoliosis orthopedic tool, and relates to the technical field of rehabilitation medical engineering. The scoliosis orthopedic appliance comprises a pelvis support, a shoulder strap and four correction pull straps. The pelvis and the pelvis waist joint part are stably fixed by the pelvis support, and the side surface and the rear side of the scoliosis side extend upwards to form an anti-rotation part; the shoulder straps are fixed to the shoulders. The first pull strap and the second pull strap surround the trunk from the front side and form a first group of three-point pressure system with the pelvis support on the frontal plane; the third pull strap and the fourth pull strap surround the trunk from the rear side and form a second three-point pressure system with the shoulder straps. According to the orthopedic appliance, the pelvis support is used for replacing the conventional waist and hip support which must be fixed through the groin, so that the axial compression of the spine from top to bottom is avoided, the sagittal plane compensation risk is reduced, and the physiological curvature is maintained. The front system and the rear system act synergistically to realize three-dimensional accurate correction of a coronal plane, a sagittal plane and a rotation dimension. The stability is enhanced by the anti-rotation part, the comfort and the compliance are improved, and each pull strap is independently adjustable and adapts to individualized lateral bending characteristics.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of rehabilitation medicine engineering technology, and in particular to a scoliosis correction device. Background Technology

[0002] Scoliosis is a common three-dimensional spinal deformity, with a particularly high incidence in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients. For mild to moderate scoliosis, orthotic devices are a widely used non-surgical intervention in clinical practice. The core principle is to apply external pressure to correct the coronal scoliosis while maintaining or improving the sagittal physiological curvature as much as possible.

[0003] Most mainstream scoliosis correction devices on the market currently employ a trunk-wrapping structure, typically relying on the groin area as the primary lower fixation point. They apply corrective force to the scoliosis area through two sets of elastic bands or a rigid shell. However, this design has a significant drawback: because the upper and lower corrective bands act as a unified system on the trunk, their resultant force often points towards the center of the spine, creating centripetal compressive stress. While this stress helps with coronal plane correction, it inevitably exerts axial pressure on the spine, causing compensatory flattening or even kyphosis of the thoracic or lumbar vertebrae in the sagittal plane. This disrupts the normal physiological curvature of the spine, affecting lung function and overall biomechanical balance.

[0004] Furthermore, groin fixation methods can easily cause local pressure discomfort and skin abrasion, especially with prolonged wear, leading to significantly reduced patient compliance. More importantly, the groin, as a soft tissue area, lacks stable bony support, making it difficult to provide a reliable and durable counterforce fulcrum, thus weakening the biomechanical efficiency of the orthodontic system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a scoliosis correction device that can solve the drawback of previous similar devices that rely on fixation through the groin and will not generate centripetal stress on the spine.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A scoliosis correction device includes a pelvic support, shoulder straps, and a first corrective traction belt, a second corrective traction belt, a third corrective traction belt, and a fourth corrective traction belt;

[0008] The shoulder straps wrap around the wearer's left and right shoulders and are secured to the left and right shoulder areas;

[0009] The pelvic support is designed to wrap around the wearer's waist, securely fixing the pelvis and pelvic-lumbar junction, and extends upward on the side and back of the corresponding patient's scoliosis to form an anti-rotation part.

[0010] The upper end of the first corrective tension band is connected to the front part of the shoulder band located away from the scoliosis, and its lower end passes around the patient's torso from the front and is connected to the top of the front side of the anti-rotation part.

[0011] The upper end of the second corrective tension band is connected to the top of the anti-rotation part, and its lower end passes around the patient's torso from the front and is connected to the front part of the pelvic support located away from the anti-rotation part.

[0012] The upper end of the third corrective tension band is connected to the posterior part of the shoulder band located away from the scoliosis, and its lower end passes around the patient's torso from the posterior side and is connected to the top of the posterior side of the anti-rotation part.

[0013] The upper end of the fourth corrective tension band is connected to the top of the back side of the anti-rotation part, and its lower end extends downward along the back side of the pelvic support and connects to the bottom of the pelvic support located away from the anti-rotation part.

[0014] Among them, the first corrective tension band, the second corrective tension band, and the pelvic support together form a first three-point pressure system on the frontal plane;

[0015] The third and fourth corrective tension bands, together with the shoulder straps, constitute the second set of three-point pressure systems.

[0016] Furthermore, the center line of the shoulder strap coincides with the center line of the pelvic support along the sagittal plane of the human body when worn.

[0017] Furthermore, the pelvic support is provided with an anterior superior iliac spine avoidance portion to prevent compression of the anterior superior iliac spine.

[0018] Furthermore, the pelvic support has an opening on the front side, and detachable fastening components are respectively provided on the opposite sides of the opening. The fastening components are configured to tighten and lock the pelvic support around the wearer's waist through an adjustable connection, so as to achieve adjustable circumference fixation.

[0019] Furthermore, the shoulder strap includes a left shoulder strap, a right shoulder strap, a front adjustment strap, and a rear connecting strap;

[0020] The rear connecting strap is located on the patient's back shoulder, with its two ends connected to the left shoulder strap and the right shoulder strap, respectively;

[0021] The front adjustment strap is located on the patient's chest, with its two ends connected to the left shoulder strap and the right shoulder strap, respectively.

[0022] Furthermore, the front adjustment belt includes a left front belt, a right front belt, and a hook structure;

[0023] The left end of the left front strap is fixedly connected to the left shoulder strap;

[0024] The right end of the right front strap is fixedly connected to the right shoulder strap;

[0025] The right end of the left front strap is connected to the left end of the right front strap via the hook structure, so that the circumference of the shoulder strap can be changed by adjusting the hook position.

[0026] The technical solution provided by this invention has the following technical effects:

[0027] The scoliosis correction device provided by this invention uses a pelvic support as the main support and reaction force fulcrum of the entire device. Instead of the previous method of fixing the lumbar and hip supports through the groin, the pelvic support avoids axial compression of the spine from above and below, thus significantly reducing the risk of compensatory flattening or kyphosis in the sagittal plane due to pressure during correction, and better maintaining the normal physiological curvature of the spine. Simultaneously, the device utilizes a first three-point pressure system consisting of a first corrective tension band, a second corrective tension band, and a pelvic support, as well as a third corrective tension band and a fourth… The second set of three-point pressure system, consisting of the corrective tension band and shoulder straps, applies corrective force synergistically from the front and back, achieving three-dimensional precise control of scoliosis in the coronal, sagittal, and rotational dimensions. In addition, the pelvic support wraps around the waist and extends upward to form an anti-rotation section, which not only enhances the overall structural stability and anti-rotation ability but also avoids pressure discomfort in the groin area, improving wearing comfort and patient compliance. The independent setting of each tension band also facilitates tension and position adjustment according to individual scoliosis characteristics, demonstrating good clinical adaptability and corrective effect. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from a detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a front view of a scoliosis correction device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a rear view of a scoliosis correction device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 1. Pelvic support; 2. Shoulder straps; 3. Third corrective tension band; 4. First corrective tension band; 5. Second corrective tension band; 6. Anti-rotation section; 7. Fourth corrective tension band.

[0033] 21. Left shoulder strap; 22. Right shoulder strap; 23. Front adjustment strap; 24. Rear connecting strap;

[0034] 231. Left front strap, 232. Right front strap, 233. Hook structure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Indication Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is only to illustrate the structural relationships related to the invention point and is not intended as an actual proportion of the actual product.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the scoliosis correction device in this embodiment is composed of multiple functional components working together, including a pelvic support 1, a shoulder strap 2, and a first correction tension band 4, a second correction tension band 5, a third correction tension band 3, and a fourth correction tension band 7.

[0037] The pelvic support 1 is designed to wrap around the wearer's waist, firmly securing the pelvis and pelvic-lumbar junction. It is manufactured using advanced 3D printing technology. An anti-rotation section 6 extends upwards from the side and back of the pelvic support corresponding to the patient's scoliosis. This anti-rotation section 6 not only enhances the overall stability of the orthotic device in the rotational direction but also serves as an anchor point for multiple corrective tension bands, providing structural support for the application of corrective force. The pelvic support 1 has an opening at the front, with detachable fastening components on both sides. These fastening components use adjustable connections (e.g., hooks, Velcro, or snaps) to tighten and lock circumferentially according to the patient's waist circumference, thus achieving a secure fit and adjustable circumference for the pelvic support 1 on the wearer's waist. Furthermore, the pelvic support 1 has a dedicated avoidance section at the location corresponding to the anterior superior iliac spine, i.e., a pre-drilled recess or opening structure at the corresponding position, preventing direct contact between this area and the skin. This avoids pressure on the anterior superior iliac spine area during wear, improving comfort and reducing the risk of local tissue damage.

[0038] The pelvic support 1 is made of medical-grade materials, such as medical-grade polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), or polyamide (nylon) 12, conforming to the biocompatibility standard GB / T 16886.1. The pelvic support 1 has a printing layer thickness of 2-3 mm, a molding dimensional error of ≤ ±0.2 mm, a tensile strength of ≥50 MPa, and a flexural modulus of ≥2000 MPa, meeting the daily wear weight-bearing requirements.

[0039] Shoulder straps 2 wrap around the wearer's left and right shoulders and are fixed in the left and right shoulder areas. When worn, their center line coincides with the center line of the pelvic support 1 along the sagittal plane of the human body, ensuring that the orthopedic device is symmetrically and stably stressed.

[0040] Shoulder strap 2 specifically includes a left shoulder strap 21, a right shoulder strap 22, a front adjustment strap 23, and a rear connecting strap 24. The rear connecting strap 24 is located in the patient's posterior shoulder region, with its two ends connecting to the left shoulder strap 21 and the right shoulder strap 22 respectively, forming a continuous support structure on the posterior side of the shoulder. The front adjustment strap 23 is located in the patient's anterior chest region, with its two ends also connecting to the left shoulder strap 21 and the right shoulder strap 22 respectively.

[0041] The front adjustment strap 23 is further subdivided into a left front strap 231, a right front strap 232, and a hook structure 233. The left end of the left front strap 231 is fixedly connected to the left shoulder strap 21, the right end of the right front strap 232 is fixedly connected to the right shoulder strap 22, and the right end of the left front strap 231 and the left end of the right front strap 232 are connected to each other through the hook structure 233. This hook structure 233 allows the user to change the overall circumference of the shoulder strap 2 by adjusting the hook position, thereby adjusting the tightness of the shoulder strap 2 to adapt to the wearing needs of patients with different body types and ensure even shoulder force and no slippage.

[0042] The peel strength at the point where the hook and loop areas meet is ≥5N / cm, ensuring that the garment will not come loose when worn.

[0043] The upper end of the first corrective tension band 4 is connected to the anterior part of the shoulder band 2 on the side away from scoliosis, and its lower end passes around the patient's torso from the front and connects to the top of the anterior side of the anti-rotation part 6. The upper end of the second corrective tension band 5 is connected to the top of the anti-rotation part 6, and its lower end passes around the patient's torso from the front and connects to the anterior part of the pelvic support 1 on the side away from the anti-rotation part 6. The upper end of the third corrective tension band 3 is connected to the posterior part of the shoulder band 2 on the side away from scoliosis, and its lower end passes around the patient's torso from the back and connects to the top of the posterior side of the anti-rotation part 6. The upper end of the fourth corrective tension band 7 is connected to the top of the posterior side of the anti-rotation part 6, and its lower end extends downward along the posterior side of the pelvic support 1 and connects to the bottom of the pelvic support 1 on the side away from the anti-rotation part 6. The layout of the four corrective tension bands allows the first corrective tension band 4, the second corrective tension band 5, and the pelvic support 1 to form a first three-point pressure system in the frontal plane, which is used to apply directional corrective force to the scoliosis in the coronal plane. At the same time, the third corrective tension band 3, the fourth corrective tension band 7, and the shoulder strap 2 together form a second three-point pressure system, which is used to coordinately control the spinal shape in the sagittal plane and rotational dimension, so as to achieve precise correction in three-dimensional space.

[0044] To facilitate adjustment of the length of each corrective tension band and enable detachable connection, a first fixing ring is provided at the top of the front side of the anti-rotation part 6. The bottom end of the first corrective tension band 4 passes through this first fixing ring, and a hook surface area is provided near the bottom end of the first corrective tension band 4. At the same time, a rough surface area is provided in the area adjacent to the hook surface area. The hook surface area and the rough surface area are bonded together by surface contact to form a reusable Velcro connection structure, thereby realizing the length adjustment of the first corrective tension band 4 relative to the first fixing ring and quick assembly and disassembly. Similarly, the upper end of the second corrective tension band 5 is also provided with the same hook surface area and rough surface area structure as the bottom end of the first corrective tension band 4, so that it can be connected to the corresponding connection point on the front side of the pelvic support 1 in the same way.

[0045] A second retaining ring is provided at the top of the rear side of the anti-spinning part 6. The bottom structure of the third corrective tension band 3 is the same as that of the bottom of the first corrective tension band 4, that is, it also includes a hook surface area and a rough surface area, so that the length can be adjusted and detached after passing through the second retaining ring. The upper end of the fourth corrective tension band 7 is provided with the same structure as the upper end of the second corrective tension band 5, so that it can be connected to the second retaining ring at the top of the rear side of the anti-spinning part 6 in the same way.

[0046] The first corrective tension band 4, the second corrective tension band 5, the third corrective tension band 3, and the fourth corrective tension band 7 are made of the same material, which can be a blend of 70% polyester fiber and 30% spandex, with an outer layer coated with medical-grade silicone. The elongation is 200%–300%, and the recovery rate is ≥95%, ensuring stable traction. After 5000 tensile cycles, the performance degradation is ≤10%, meeting a service life of 1.5–2 years.

[0047] In practical use, this scoliosis correction device uses the pelvic support 1 as the main support base and reaction force fulcrum of the entire structure. It abandons the traditional structure that relies on groin area fixation. Instead of the previous lumbar and hip support that required fixation through the groin, the pelvic support avoids axial compression of the spine from above and below, significantly reducing the risk of compensatory flattening or kyphosis in the sagittal plane due to pressure during correction, and better maintaining the normal physiological curvature of the spine. Simultaneously, through the synergistic effect of the first and second three-point pressure systems, the device can apply multidimensional corrective forces to the scoliosis from both the front and back, achieving comprehensive control over the coronal plane scoliosis angle, sagittal plane physiological curvature, and vertebral rotation deformity. Each corrective tension band is independently set, allowing clinicians or therapists to finely adjust the tension, application angle, and connection position of each band according to the patient's individual scoliosis type, curvature apex position, rotation direction, and severity, thereby improving the targeted and effective correction. In addition, since the pelvic support 1 wraps around the waist and extends upward to form the anti-rotation part 6, it not only improves the overall structural rigidity and anti-torsion capacity of the orthopedic device, but also avoids the groin compression problem common in traditional braces, significantly improving the patient's wearing comfort, thereby improving the compliance of long-term wearing and facilitating better clinical treatment results.

[0048] This orthotic device uses a pelvic support 1 as the body suspension point, solving the problem of previous similar braces that relied on groin fixation. The biggest problem with groin fixation is that the upper and lower elastic bands, as a whole, can cause centripetal stress on the spine. This stress can lead to sagittal compensation and deformation of the spine under pressure. This invention uses pelvic fixation, so that the entire orthotic device does not generate centripetal stress on the spine.

[0049] In summary, the scoliosis correction device provided by this invention combines modern digital manufacturing technology, personalized medical concepts, and biomechanical engineering principles, successfully solving many drawbacks of traditional braces. It not only possesses excellent corrective efficacy but also significantly improves comfort, aesthetics, adjustability, and ease of wear, making it particularly suitable for individuals with mild scoliosis who wish to take proactive preventative measures.

[0050] Scoliosis orthotic devices are primarily used to treat patients with primary scoliosis whose Cobb angle is between 15° and 50° (15°–25° for mild cases and 25°–50° for moderate cases) and Risser sign of 0–2. The orthotic device is fitted to patients according to a subclassification of the traditional SRS curve type classification. The SpineCor assistant software guides the therapist through the fitting process. Patients are advised to wear the orthotic device for 20 hours daily until growth maturity. Radiographic evaluations are required before and after fitting, followed by follow-up examinations every 4–6 months. To accommodate patient growth, the orthotic components are expected to be replaced every 1.5–2 years (this is based on the corrective tension band undergoing 5000 tensile cycles with a performance degradation of ≤10%, thus setting the component replacement cycle at 1.5–2 years to ensure full corrective effect). A patient manual is provided to guide patients on proper wearing and daily maintenance of the orthotic device. The goal is to guide the spine back to its normal alignment through natural movement, rather than simply applying static pressure.

[0051] Traditional braces (such as Boston braces) weigh approximately 1.5–2.5 kg. This patented product weighs between 0.4 and 0.6 kg, representing a weight reduction of 60%–80% compared to traditional braces.

[0052] Traditional braces are uncomfortable, and the average daily wearing time is less than 8 hours, with compliance of about 25% to 35% (based on data from clinical research papers). This patented product can be worn for 18 to 22 hours per day, with compliance increased to over 80%.

[0053] After 6 months of wearing traditional braces, the rate of decline in Cobb angle improvement is approximately 40% (based on clinical follow-up data from a top-tier hospital). After 6 months of wearing this patented product, the rate of decline in Cobb angle improvement is ≤15%, demonstrating more stable results.

[0054] Traditional braces are about 4mm thick and require loose clothing, offering poor concealment. This patented product has an average thickness of 2-3mm, allowing it to be worn under regular clothing, significantly improving concealment.

[0055] Unlike traditional passive braces, this invention employs an active guidance design. It is not a rigid shell that completely restricts movement, but rather a lightweight, flexible biomechanical network. Through precise spatial arrangement, this network continuously applies traction in a specific direction as the patient performs daily activities, encouraging the body to learn and solidify correct postural patterns.

[0056] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the embodiments of the present invention can have various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A scoliosis correction device, characterized in that, Includes a pelvic support (1), shoulder straps (2), and a first corrective tension band (4), a second corrective tension band (5), a third corrective tension band (3), and a fourth corrective tension band (7); The shoulder strap (2) wraps around the wearer's left and right shoulders and is fixed to the left and right shoulder areas; The pelvic support (1) is set around the wearer's waist to firmly fix the pelvis and pelvic-lumbar junction, and extends upward on the side and back of the corresponding patient's scoliosis to form an anti-rotation part (6). The upper end of the first corrective tension band (4) is connected to the front part of the shoulder strap (2) located away from the scoliosis, and its lower end is connected to the top of the front side of the anti-rotation part (6) after passing around the patient's torso from the front. The upper end of the second corrective tension band (5) is connected to the top of the anti-rotation part (6), and its lower end passes around the patient's torso from the front and is connected to the front part of the pelvic support (1) located away from the anti-rotation part (6). The upper end of the third corrective tension band (3) is connected to the posterior part of the shoulder strap (2) located away from the scoliosis, and its lower end is connected to the top of the posterior part of the anti-rotation part (6) after passing around the patient's torso from the posterior side. The upper end of the fourth corrective tension band (7) is connected to the top of the rear side of the anti-rotation part (6), and its lower end extends downward along the rear side of the pelvic support (1) and is connected to the bottom of the pelvic support (1) on the side away from the anti-rotation part (6). Among them, the first corrective tension band (4), the second corrective tension band (5), and the pelvic support (1) together form the first three-point pressure system on the frontal plane; The third corrective tension band (3), the fourth corrective tension band (7), and the shoulder strap (2) together constitute the second set of three-point pressure system.

2. The scoliosis correction device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When worn, the center line of the shoulder strap (2) coincides with the center line of the pelvic support (1) along the sagittal plane of the human body.

3. The scoliosis correction device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pelvic support (1) is provided with an anterior superior iliac spine avoidance part to avoid compression of the anterior superior iliac spine.

4. The scoliosis correction device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pelvic support (1) has an opening on the front side, and detachable fastening components are provided on the opposite sides of the opening. The fastening components are configured to tighten and lock the pelvic support (1) around the wearer's waist through an adjustable connection, so as to achieve adjustable circumference fixation.

5. A scoliosis correction device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shoulder strap (2) includes a left shoulder strap (21), a right shoulder strap (22), a front adjustment strap (23), and a rear connecting strap (24); The rear connecting strap (24) is located on the patient's back shoulder, with its two ends connected to the left shoulder strap (21) and the right shoulder strap (22) respectively; The front adjustment strap (23) is located on the patient's chest, with its two ends connected to the left shoulder strap (21) and the right shoulder strap (22), respectively.

6. A scoliosis correction device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The front adjustment belt (23) includes a left front belt (231), a right front belt (232), and a hook structure (233); The left end of the left front strap (231) is fixedly connected to the left shoulder strap (21); The right end of the right front strap (232) is fixedly connected to the right shoulder strap (22); The right end of the left front strap (231) is connected to the left end of the right front strap (232) via the hook structure (233) so that the circumference of the shoulder strap (2) can be changed by adjusting the hook position.

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