Scoliosis correction modeling method and correction system

Abstract

The present invention provides a scoliosis correction system comprising a correction modeling device for performing correction modeling for a patient's scoliosis, wherein the correction modeling device generates correction prescription information for the spine skeleton based on an image of the patient's spine skeleton, and generates a correction skin model of the patient by performing physical calculations using a finite element method based on the material properties information of the patient's rib skeleton and spine skeleton and the material properties information of the patient's skin and the correction prescription information, wherein the correction prescription information includes an X-axis correction rate and a Y-axis correction rate of the patient's spine skeleton curve relative to a normal target curve, wherein the X-axis correction rate is a correction rate in the axial direction and the Y-axis correction rate is a correction rate in the sagittal direction.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for correcting scoliosis. Background Technology

[0002] The spine is an assembly interconnected by various tissues such as joint capsules, ligaments, intervertebral discs, and muscles, and can be deformed in complex ways. Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves into an abnormal C-shape or S-shape instead of the normal S-shape.

[0003] Scoliosis affects 2% to 4% of the global population, and according to the WHO, 36 million new cases are expected worldwide by 2050. According to the cases, nearly 80% are idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown, and it is estimated that genetic factors, hormonal changes during growth, or abnormalities in muscles or ligaments are involved.

[0004] If scoliosis is not detected and treated early, the curvature of the spine can worsen, potentially causing problems in the respiratory or circulatory systems.

[0005] However, there are currently limitations in the treatment of scoliosis. In this regard, continuous, long-term, personalized, and accurate diagnosis is required to prevent, stop, or treat the progression of scoliosis. To do so, the patient's spinal condition must be measured regularly to monitor the patient's condition periodically.

[0006] However, the biggest disadvantage of existing diagnostic methods is that patients are exposed to a significant amount of ionizing radiation due to repeated examinations during the monitoring process and measurements of Cobb's Angle, which can have harmful effects on severe patients.

[0007] Furthermore, there may be variations in the results depending on the person performing the measurement. However, performing a CT scan of the entire upper body to analyze the condition more accurately has limitations as it increases the burden of exposure to high-dose radiation.

[0008] Furthermore, while a more accurate corrective product could be produced if the shape corrected by a doctor's prescription were precisely generated and designed, there is a limitation in that such technology has not yet been commercialized globally. Meanwhile, Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2379385 (March 28, 2022) may be referenced as a prior art document. The problem to be solved

[0009] The present invention has a problem in providing a method to improve conventional scoliosis correction. means of solving the problem

[0010] The present invention provides a scoliosis correction system comprising a correction modeling device for performing correction modeling for a patient's scoliosis, wherein the correction modeling device generates correction prescription information for the spine skeleton based on an image of the patient's spine skeleton, and generates a correction skin model of the patient by performing physical calculations using a finite element method based on the material properties information of the patient's rib skeleton and spine skeleton and the material properties information of the patient's skin and the correction prescription information, wherein the correction prescription information includes an X-axis correction rate and a Y-axis correction rate of the patient's spine skeleton curve relative to a normal target curve, wherein the X-axis correction rate is a correction rate in the axial direction and the Y-axis correction rate is a correction rate in the sagittal direction.

[0011] The setting ranges of the X-axis correction rate and Y-axis correction rate, respectively, have an upper limit greater than the full correction rate, and the full correction rate may be the correction rate when correcting to the target curve.

[0012] When the above full correction rate is expressed as 100%, the upper limit of the above setting range may be 200%.

[0013] According to each of the above X-axis and Y-axis correction rates, the X-axis and Y-axis correction displacement distances of each spinal joint of the spine skeleton curve are derived, and according to the above X-axis correction rate, the Z-axis rotation correction amount of each spinal joint of the spine skeleton curve can be derived.

[0014] Based on the above correction skin model, a design of a correction product is created using a correction tool, and the correction product may include TLSO, correction clothing, correction bedding, and a correction chair.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention provides a correction modeling method for scoliosis of a patient, wherein in a correction modeling device, correction prescription information for the spine skeleton is generated based on an image of the patient's spine skeleton, and physical calculations are performed using a finite element method based on the material properties information of the patient's rib skeleton and spine skeleton and the material properties information of the patient's skin and the correction prescription information to generate a correction skin model of the patient, wherein the correction prescription information includes an X-axis correction rate and a Y-axis correction rate of the patient's spine skeleton curve relative to a normal target curve, and the X-axis correction rate is a correction rate in the axial direction and the Y-axis correction rate is a correction rate in the sagittal direction.

[0016] The setting ranges of the X-axis correction rate and Y-axis correction rate, respectively, have an upper limit greater than the full correction rate, and the full correction rate may be the correction rate when correcting to the target curve.

[0017] When the above full correction rate is expressed as 100%, the upper limit of the above setting range may be 200%.

[0018] According to each of the above X-axis and Y-axis correction rates, the X-axis and Y-axis correction displacement distances of each spinal joint of the spine skeleton curve are derived, and according to the above X-axis correction rate, the Z-axis rotation correction amount of each spinal joint of the spine skeleton curve can be derived.

[0019] Based on the above correction skin model, a design of a correction product is created using a correction tool, and the correction product may include TLSO, correction clothing, correction bedding, and a correction chair. Effects of the invention

[0020] According to the present invention, a skeleton image of a patient with scoliosis is generated based on a diagnostic image or 3D skin image of the patient, and based on this, an X-axis correction rate and a Y-axis correction rate of the patient's spine-skeleton curve are prescribed for a target curve of a normal spine-skeleton. Based on the patient's skeleton physical property information, skin physical property information, and correction prescription information, physical calculations are performed using a finite element method to generate a correction skin model of the patient, and a correction product with a design suitable for the correction skin model is manufactured and provided to the patient.

[0021] In this way, since it is possible to accurately identify the patient's scoliosis and produce a customized corrective product according to a prescription to correct it, scoliosis can be effectively corrected. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a scoliosis correction system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2a and 2b are schematic diagrams illustrating the processes constituting a scoliosis correction method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example related to the generation of a virtual skeleton image when scoliosis occurs in an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4a and 4b are drawings illustrating an example of a spine state analysis report according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5 to 7 schematically illustrate spinal correction parameters related to a skeleton correction rate prescription according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 8a and 8b are drawings illustrating a method for correcting the X-axis of a spine skeleton curve according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9a and 9b are drawings illustrating a method for correcting the Y-axis of a spine skeleton curve according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the definition of physical properties of a skeleton and skin before correction according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example of skeleton and skin correction by a finite element technique according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of skeleton correction by a finite element technique according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating an example of a skin before correction and a skin after correction according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a case where a TLSO design is generated based on a correction skin model according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a TLSO according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] Meanwhile, it is obvious that embodiments of the present invention may include the entire content of the invention disclosed in the basic application of the present application, even if not specifically described below.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a scoliosis correction system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a scoliosis correction system (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an imaging device (100) and a correction modeling device (300). Furthermore, the scoliosis correction system (10) may include a correction product manufacturing device (200) for manufacturing a correction product.

[0027] The imaging device (100) may include a diagnostic imaging device for capturing medical diagnostic images of a patient with scoliosis (e.g., an X-ray imaging device, a CT imaging device, an MRI imaging device, etc.) and / or a 3D scanning device for scanning and capturing the patient's external shape in three dimensions.

[0028] When a diagnostic imaging device is used, medical diagnostic images (e.g., DICOM images) captured and acquired through it can be utilized.

[0029] And, when a 3D scanning device is used, the 3D skin image obtained by scanning through it can be utilized.

[0030] Meanwhile, the diagnostic image of the patient captured by the imaging device (100) may be an image of the area to be corrected for scoliosis. For example, the captured diagnostic image may be an upper body image including at least the patient's chest.

[0031] A diagnostic image captured by an imaging device (100) can be provided to a correction modeling device (300). The correction modeling device (300) can generate a correction skin model of the upper body to correct the upper body of a patient with scoliosis into a normal upper body, for example.

[0032] Meanwhile, the calibration modeling device (300) or the calibration product manufacturing device (200) can generate a calibration product design for manufacturing a corresponding calibration product based on the calibration skin model.

[0033] The calibration product manufacturing device (200) can manufacture the calibration product according to the calibration product design.

[0034] In this regard, for example, the corrective product manufacturing device (200) may include a 3D printer as an example of a manufacturing device for manufacturing a so-called TLSO (Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis), which is a scoliosis corrector worn by a patient. As another example, the corrective product manufacturing device (200) may include a clothing manufacturing device for manufacturing scoliosis correction clothing worn by a patient. As another example, the corrective product manufacturing device (200) may include a bedding manufacturing device for manufacturing scoliosis correction bedding used by a patient. As another example, the corrective product manufacturing device (200) may include a chair manufacturing device for manufacturing a scoliosis correction chair used by a patient.

[0035] Meanwhile, the correction modeling device (300) of the present embodiment is a device having a computational processing function for correction modeling, and, for example, a computer may be used, but is not limited thereto. In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, an example is given in which the correction modeling device (300) is configured using a computer.

[0036] Such a calibration modeling device (300) may be configured to include various components for implementing a calibration model (or calibration model), and such components may be composed of hardware and / or software.

[0037] Hereinafter, a correction method (or correction modeling method) using a scoliosis correction system will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 2. FIGS. 2a and 2b are schematic diagrams illustrating the processes constituting a scoliosis correction method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 2 together with FIG. 1, in the scoliosis correction method of the present embodiment, diagnostic image data of a patient generated through a diagnostic imaging device or 3D scan image data generated through a 3D scanner can be input into a correction modeling device (300).

[0039] When diagnostic image data is input, for example, the scoliosis correction modeling device (300) can perform 3D reconstruction processing to generate 3D skin images and 3D bone images of the patient's upper body.

[0040] Meanwhile, when 3D scan image data is input through 3D scanning, for example, the correction modeling device (300) can generate a 3D skin image of the patient's upper body based on the input image data.

[0041] Next, the correction modeling device (300) can check whether a 3D bone image of the patient exists. Here, if a 3D bone image exists and diagnostic image data is input, feature point processing can be performed on the 3D bone image to generate a skeleton image.

[0042] In this regard, for example, using 3D bone images, spine (i.e., vertebrae) skeleton images and rib (i.e., rib) skeleton images can be generated.

[0043] Meanwhile, in the case where 3D original images do not exist and 3D scan image data is input through 3D scanning, the correction modeling device (300) can generate feature points, curves, and vectors to construct a skeleton based on the 3D skin image, and accordingly generate a predicted (or virtual) spine skeleton image and a rib skeleton image.

[0044] Here, reference may be made to FIG. 3 in relation to the generation of a virtual skeleton image. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the generation of a virtual skeleton image in the case of scoliosis occurring in an embodiment of the present invention, in which anterior normal vectors (e.g., sternum normal vectors), anterior feature points (e.g., rib feature points), and anterior curves (e.g., anterior rib curves) can be generated based on a 3D skin image. Additionally, dorsal normal vectors (e.g., spine normal vectors), dorsal feature points (e.g., spine feature points), and dorsal curves (e.g., dorsal rib curves) can be generated.

[0045] Based on the parameters generated in this way, spine skeleton images and rib skeleton images can be generated. In generating these skeleton images, the skin depth of the upper body can be reflected.

[0046] Meanwhile, in FIG. 3, "Joint_rib" represents the joint where the rib connects with the spine and the sternum. "VP_Origin Axis" represents the reference joint of the spine, for example, the seventh cervical vertebra (or vertebral prominence) (C7). "Spine_Axis" represents each vertebral joint (or each vertebra), and "Rib_Axis" represents each rib joint (or each rib).

[0047] And, "ΔX" represents the difference between the curvatured position and the normal position on the X-axis for each spinal joint, "ΔY" represents the difference between the curvatured position and the normal position on the Y-axis for each spinal joint, and θ represents the Z-axis rotation angle according to the curvature for each spinal joint.

[0048] Next, the correction modeling device (300) can generate an analysis report by analyzing the current spine state of the patient through the generated skeleton image. Refer to FIG. 4 for this. FIG. 4a and 4b are drawings illustrating an example of a spine state analysis report according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, various analysis results regarding the current state of the patient's spine can be generated based on the data of the generated skeleton image. For example, various analysis results regarding the spine state of the patient, such as "Cobb's Angle," "Lordotic Angle" (or Rhodosis Angle), and "Kyphotic Angle" (or Kyphosis Angle), can be generated.

[0050] Next, the correction modeling device (300) can prescribe a skeleton correction rate for scoliosis correction based on the results of the patient's spine condition analysis and skeleton image data. Here, the prescription of the correction rate may be performed by an expert such as a doctor, but is not limited thereto and may be performed automatically by a correction application executed on the correction modeling device (300).

[0051] The prescription of such skeleton correction rate is examined in more detail below. Figures 5 to 7 schematically illustrate spinal correction parameters related to the prescription of the skeleton correction rate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to Fig. 5, the spine, or vertebrae, may consist of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum (S1), and coccyx.

[0053] The cervical spine may consist of seven neck vertebrae, namely the first neck vertebra (C1) to the seventh neck vertebra (C7). Meanwhile, for convenience of explanation, in FIGS. 5 and 6, the corresponding drawing numbers were assigned to the sixth neck vertebra (C6) and the seventh neck vertebra (C7), and no separate drawing numbers were assigned to the first neck vertebra (C1) to the fifth neck vertebra (C5), and in FIG. 7, the first neck vertebra (C1) to the sixth neck vertebra (C6) were omitted.

[0054] And, the thoracic vertebrae located below the cervical vertebrae may consist of 12 vertebrae, namely the first vertebra (T1) to the twelfth vertebra (T12).

[0055] In addition, the lumbar vertebrae located below the thoracic vertebrae may consist of five lumbar vertebrae, namely the first lumbar vertebra (L1) to the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5).

[0056] In addition, the sacrum (S1) and coccyx may be located below the lumbar vertebrae.

[0057] Meanwhile, Figure 5 shows parameters related to the reference joint (or origin joint) (VP_Origin Axis) for the vertebrae that make up the spine, i.e., the vertebral joints, as spinal correction parameters.

[0058] In this regard, referring to FIG. 5, the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) can be set (or defined) as the reference joint (VP_Origin Axis) of the spine. For this reference joint (VP_Origin Axis) of the spine, the coordinates (or reference coordinates) (VP_Origin Axis Coordinate), the rotation angle (or reference rotation angle) (VP_Origin Axis Euler angle) of the reference joint, the plane (or reference plane) (VP_origin Axis Plane) of the reference joint, and the vector (or reference vector) (VP_origin Axis Vector) of the reference joint can be set (defined).

[0059] For example, the coordinates (X,Y,Z) of the reference joint can be defined as (0,0,0) as the origin of the coordinate system. Also, the rotation angle (Rx,Ry,Rz) of the reference joint can be defined as (0,0,0). Meanwhile, the reference plane of the reference joint may include the XY, XZ, YZ plane (or the axial plane, coronal plane, sagittal plane). Furthermore, the vector of the reference joint may include the X, Y, Z vector.

[0060] Here, the X-axis corresponds to the axial axis following the lateral direction of the body, the Y-axis corresponds to the sagittal axis following the dorsal (or anterior) direction of the body, and the Z-axis corresponds to the height axis following the height direction of the body.

[0061] Figure 6 shows the parameters related to each spinal joint (Spine_Axis) as spinal correction parameters.

[0062] In this regard, referring to Fig. 6, for each vertebral joint (Spine_Axis), the vertebral joint coordinate (Spine_Axis Coordinate), the vertebral joint rotation angle (Spine_Axis Euler angle), the vertebral joint plane (Spine_Axis Plane), and the vertebral joint vector (Spine_Axis Vector) can be set (or defined).

[0063] For example, the coordinates (X, Y, Z) of each vertebral joint can be set relative to a reference joint that is the origin. Meanwhile, the plane of each vertebral joint may include the XY, XZ, YZ plane. Furthermore, the vector of each vertebral joint may include the X, Y, Z vector.

[0064] Meanwhile, in FIG. 6, "Spine_Distance" indicates the distance (or gap) between adjacent vertebral joints, and "Spine_Length" indicates the length of the curve of the spine (e.g., the length of the curve from the first cervical vertebra (C1) to the sacrum (S1)).

[0065] Figure 7 shows parameters for generating a target curve of the spine skeleton as spinal correction parameters.

[0066] In this regard, referring to Fig. 7, the target curve of the spine skeleton corresponds to the curve of the spine in a normal state.

[0067] For example, the target curve corresponds to a curve generated when the Level of Junction Ratio of each vertebral joint maintains a normal value position in the spine curve length (Spine_Length) with the reference joint, the 7th cervical vertebra (C7), and the normal range angles of the Kyphosis Angle and Lordosis Angle are applied. Here, the Level of Junction Ratio can have a value in % units, for example, and can be defined as 100% at C7 with S1 as the bottom and C7 as the top.

[0068] The target curve of such a spine skeleton is conditioned on maintaining the spine curve length (Spine_Length), and the coordinate value of the target joint (Target_Axis) can be set to 0. Here, the target joint corresponds to a normal spinal joint located along the target curve.

[0069] Hereinafter, a method for correcting the curve of a spine skeleton is described. FIGS. 8a and 8b are drawings illustrating a method for correcting the X-axis of a spine skeleton curve according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9a and 9b are drawings illustrating a method for correcting the Y-axis of a spine skeleton curve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Referring to Fig. 8 regarding the X-axis correction of the spine-skeleton curve of a patient with scoliosis, the spine-skeleton curve of the patient with scoliosis is twisted in the X-axis direction from the normal target curve. For example, when viewed from the rear, some spinal joints may be curved to the left relative to the target curve, and other spinal joints may be curved to the right relative to the target curve.

[0071] In such cases, the X-axis scoliosis of the patient's spine-skeleton curve is assessed, and an X-axis correction rate (i.e., axial correction rate) representing the ratio of correcting the patient's spine-skeleton curve to a target curve relative to the X-axis can be prescribed. This prescription of the X-axis correction rate (and the Y-axis correction rate prescription described below) can comprehensively consider the patient's physical condition, including the current state of scoliosis, and the treatment plan.

[0072] For example, if the degree of scoliosis is not severe and it is determined that it is desirable to correct the patient's spine-skeleton curve directly to the target curve, a full correction rate (e.g., 100%) may be prescribed. And, if the degree of scoliosis is very high and it is determined that it is desirable to correct it beyond the target curve first, an over-fit correction rate (or over-correction rate) (e.g., more than 100%) may be prescribed. Additionally, if it is determined that stepwise correction treatment is desirable, a correction rate less than the full correction rate (or down-fit correction rate) (or down-correction rate) (e.g., 50%) may be prescribed.

[0073] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, an example is given in which the X-axis correction rate range is set from 0% to 200%, but the upper limit of the overfit correction rate exceeding 100% may be changed depending on the case.

[0074] And, regarding the overfit correction rate, for example, the position of the joint to which this correction rate is applied is opposite to the position of the patient's joint before application relative to the target curve. In other words, if the current X-coordinate value of the joint in a scoliosis state is -x, when an overfit correction rate of 200% is applied, the X-coordinate value of the corrected joint is set to +x.

[0075] Meanwhile, in X-axis correction, the distance between adjacent spinal joints (Spine_Distance) can be maintained.

[0076] When the X-axis correction rate is prescribed (or set), the X-axis correction displacement of each spinal joint and the amount of rotation (or Z-axis rotation) during X-axis correction can be derived according to the prescribed X-axis correction rate.

[0077] In this regard, referring to Fig. 8b, for example, the X-axis correction distance (X distance) of each spinal joint according to the X-axis correction rate can be calculated by multiplying the X-axis correction rate by the distance between the X,Z coordinates (Spine_Axis Coordinate (X,Z)) of each spinal joint of the patient's spine skeleton curve and the X,Z coordinates (Target_Axis Coordinate (X,Z)) of the corresponding spinal joint (i.e., target joint) of the target curve.

[0078] Furthermore, the X-axis correction movement direction (X vector) can be expressed as a vector between each vertebral joint of the patient's spine-skeleton curve and the corresponding vertebral joint of the target curve. In other words, it can be expressed as a vector between the coordinates of the vertebral joint of the spine-skeleton curve (Point 1: (Spine Axis Coordinate (X,Y,Z))) and the coordinates of the corresponding vertebral joint of the target curve (Point 2: Target_Axis Coordinate (X,Spine_Axis Coordinate (Y),Z)) (where the Y coordinate of the vertebral joint of the target curve can be set to be the same as the Y coordinate of the vertebral joint of the patient's spine-skeleton curve).

[0079] Meanwhile, the Z-axis rotation angle (or rotation angle relative to the Z-axis) of each vertebral joint of the patient's spine-skeleton curve can be derived through the angle between the Y vector of each vertebral joint of the patient's spine-skeleton curve (Spine_Axis Y vector) and the ZY plane of the reference joint.

[0080] The Z-axis rotation correction amount (or rotation correction angle) (Z Axis Rotation) can be calculated by multiplying the Z-axis rotation angle (Angle Z rotation) of each of these spinal joints by the X-axis correction rate.

[0081] Next, referring to Fig. 9 regarding the Y-axis correction of the spine-skeleton curve of a patient with scoliosis, the spine-skeleton curve of a patient with scoliosis is twisted in the Y-axis direction from the normal target curve. For example, when viewed from the side, some spinal joints may be curved forward relative to the target curve, while other spinal joints may be curved backward relative to the target curve.

[0082] In such cases, the Y-axis scoliosis status of the patient's spine-skeleton curve is assessed, and a Y-axis correction rate (i.e., sagittal correction rate) representing the ratio of correcting the patient's spine-skeleton curve to a target curve relative to the Y-axis can be prescribed. This prescription of the Y-axis correction rate (and the aforementioned prescription of the X-axis correction rate) can comprehensively consider the patient's physical condition, including the current state of scoliosis, and the treatment plan.

[0083] For example, if the degree of scoliosis is not severe and it is determined that it is desirable to correct the patient's spine-skeleton curve directly to the target curve, a full correction rate (e.g., 100%) may be prescribed. And, if the degree of scoliosis is very high and it is determined that it is desirable to correct it beyond the target curve first, an over-fit correction rate (or over-correction rate) (e.g., more than 100%) may be prescribed. Additionally, if it is determined that stepwise correction treatment is desirable, a correction rate less than the full correction rate (or down-fit correction rate) (or down-correction rate) (e.g., 50%) may be prescribed.

[0084] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a case in which a Y-axis correction rate range of 0% to 200% is set is used as an example, but the upper limit of the overfit correction rate exceeding 100% may be changed depending on the case.

[0085] And, regarding the overfit correction rate, for example, the position of the joint to which this correction rate is applied is opposite to the position of the patient's joint before application relative to the target curve. In other words, if the current Y-coordinate value of the joint in the scoliosis state is -y, when an overfit correction rate of 200% is applied, the Y-coordinate value of the corrected joint is set to +y.

[0086] Meanwhile, in Y-axis correction, the distance between adjacent spinal joints (Spine_Distance) can be maintained.

[0087] When a Y-axis correction rate is prescribed (or set), the Y-axis correction displacement of each spinal joint can be derived according to the prescribed Y-axis correction rate.

[0088] In this regard, referring to Fig. 9b, for example, the Y-axis correction distance (Y distance) of each spinal joint according to the Y-axis correction rate can be calculated by multiplying the Y-axis correction rate by the distance between the Y,Z coordinates (Spine_Axis Coordinate (Y,Z)) of each spinal joint of the patient's spine skeleton curve and the Y,Z coordinates (Target_Axis Coordinate (Y,Z)) of the corresponding spinal joint (i.e., target joint) of the target curve.

[0089] Furthermore, the Y-axis correction movement direction (Y vector) can be expressed as a vector between each vertebral joint of the patient's spine-skeleton curve and the corresponding vertebral joint of the target curve. In other words, it can be expressed as a vector between the coordinates of the vertebral joint of the spine-skeleton curve (Point 1: (Spine Axis Coordinate (X,Y,Z))) and the coordinates of the corresponding vertebral joint of the target curve (Point 2: Target_Axis Coordinate (Spine_Axis Coordinate (X),Y,Z)) (where the X coordinate of the vertebral joint of the target curve can be set to be the same as the X coordinate of the vertebral joint of the patient's spine-skeleton curve).

[0090] Meanwhile, the X-axis correction rate and the Y-axis correction rate may be independent (or individual) or related. For example, the X-axis correction rate and the Y-axis correction rate may be the same or different.

[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 9b, a vector sum operation can be performed using the X-axis correction movement direction (X vector), X-axis correction movement distance (X distance), Y-axis correction movement direction (Y vector), and Y-axis correction movement distance (Y distance) derived according to the prescribed X-axis correction rate and Y-axis correction rate.

[0092] As a result of these calculations, the correction vector (or final correction vector) and correction distance (or final correction distance) for each spinal joint can be derived. In other words, for each spinal joint, it moves by the correction distance in the direction of the correction vector derived according to the correction prescription.

[0093] After the correction is completed according to the above correction prescription, for example, the Z vector of each corrected spinal joint can be defined (or set) in the tangential direction of the corrected spine skeleton curve.

[0094] And, the X vector of each corrected spinal joint can be derived by calculating the cross product of the Z vector defined as above and the Y vector determined by the Z-axis correction amount (Z Axis Rotation) previously.

[0095] As described above, if correction of the patient's spine skeleton is prescribed, a prescription report for this can be generated.

[0096] In addition, based on the correction prescription information of the spine skeleton, the physical property information of the skeleton elastomer, and the physical property information of the 3D skin, physical calculations are performed using the Finite Element Method (FEM) to correct the patient's skin volume and create a corrected skin model.

[0097] In this regard, reference may be made to FIGS. 10 to 13. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the definition of physical properties of a skeleton and skin before calibration according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of skeleton and skin calibration by a finite element technique according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of skeleton calibration by a finite element technique according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a skin before calibration and a skin after calibration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 10, the skeleton of a patient before correction, that is, the spine skeleton and rib skeleton before correction, can be materialized as an elastomer and its material properties can be defined (or set). Additionally, the 3D skin of a patient before correction can be materialized and its material properties can be defined (or set). Such material property definition can be based on skeleton image information and 3D skin image information.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the skeleton can be corrected by performing physical operations on the skeleton using a finite element method based on the correction prescription information of the spine skeleton and the physical property information of the skeleton. Additionally, the skin volume can be corrected by performing physical operations on the skin based on the skeleton correction using a finite element method based on the physical property information of the skin.

[0100] In this way, based on the physical property information of the skeleton and skin, the patient's skin volume can be corrected according to the correction prescription (or suitable or corresponding) through computation using the finite element method. Based on such skin volume correction information, a corrected skin model, i.e., a corrected skin model, can be generated as shown in FIG. 13. In other words, a skin model of a patient to whom correction has been applied can be generated.

[0101] Based on the calibration skin model generated in the calibration modeling device (300) as described above, the calibration product manufacturing device (200) can design a calibration product using a design tool (or design application) to generate a calibration product design. As another example, the process of generating a calibration product design based on the calibration skin model may be performed in the calibration modeling device (300).

[0102] And, the calibration product manufacturing device (200) can manufacture a calibration product according to the generated calibration product design.

[0103] In this regard, as previously mentioned, corrective products may include, but are not limited to, TLSO, corrective clothing, corrective bedding, and corrective chairs.

[0104] Correction products produced in this way can be provided to patients with scoliosis.

[0105] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a case where a TLSO design is generated based on a correction skin model according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a TLSO according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Referring to Fig. 14, for example, when the design tool is executed, a corrective skin model is displayed on the screen, and a TLSO design that is worn according to this corrective skin model can be generated.

[0107] According to the TLSO design generated in this way, the TLSO can be produced as shown in FIG. 15.

[0108] Here, the TLSO may be configured with an upper and lower separated structure to improve patient comfort and correction efficiency. For example, the TLSO may include a chest module (UM) worn on the patient's chest, an abdominal module (DM) worn on the patient's abdomen, and a connecting module (CM) that connects and combines the chest module (UM) and the abdominal module (DM). Additionally, the gap between the chest module (UM) and the abdominal model (DM) can be adjusted through the connecting module (CM).

[0109] By configuring the TLSO with a separated structure in this way, free upper body movement can be ensured, which can increase patient convenience and correction efficiency.

[0110] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a skeleton image of a patient with scoliosis is generated based on a diagnostic image or a 3D skin image of the patient, and based thereon, an X-axis correction rate and a Y-axis correction rate of the patient's spine-skeleton curve are prescribed for a target curve of a normal spine-skeleton. Based on the patient's skeleton physical property information, skin physical property information, and correction prescription information, a physical operation is performed using a finite element method to generate a correction skin model of the patient, and a correction product with a design suitable for the correction skin model is manufactured and provided to the patient.

[0111] In this way, since it is possible to accurately identify the patient's scoliosis and produce a customized corrective product according to a prescription to correct it, scoliosis can be effectively corrected.

[0112] The embodiments of the present invention described above are examples of the present invention, and free modifications are possible within the scope included in the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention includes modifications of the present invention within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents. Explanation of the symbols

[0113] 10: Scoliosis Correction System 100: Imaging Device 200: Calibration product manufacturing equipment 300: Calibration modeling device

Claims

Claim 1 The present invention includes a corrective modeling device for performing corrective modeling for a patient's scoliosis, wherein the corrective modeling device generates corrective prescription information for the spine skeleton based on an image of the patient's spine skeleton, and performs physical calculations using a finite element method based on the material properties information of the patient's rib skeleton and spine skeleton, the material properties information of the patient's skin, and the corrective prescription information to correct the patient's skin volume and generate a corrective skin model of the patient, wherein the corrective prescription information includes an X-axis correction rate and a Y-axis correction rate of the patient's spine skeleton curve relative to a normal target curve, wherein the X-axis correction rate is a correction rate in the axial direction and the Y-axis correction rate is a correction rate in the sagittal direction, wherein the target curve uses the seventh cervical vertebra of the spine skeleton curve as a reference point, wherein the target curve maintains the length of the spine skeleton curve, and in the X-axis correction to which the X-axis correction rate is applied, between adjacent spinal joints of the spine skeleton curve A scoliosis correction system in which the distance is maintained, the Y coordinates of each spinal joint of the target curve and the spine skeleton curve are set identically in the X-axis correction vector, and in the Y-axis correction to which the Y-axis correction rate is applied, the distance between adjacent spinal joints of the spine skeleton curve is maintained, and the X coordinates of each spinal joint of the target curve and the spine skeleton curve are set identically in the Y-axis correction vector. Claim 2 In claim 1, the setting range of each of the X-axis correction rate and the Y-axis correction rate has an upper limit of a value greater than the full correction rate, and the full correction rate is the correction rate when corrected to the target curve, scoliosis correction system. Claim 3 A scoliosis correction system according to claim 2, wherein when the full correction rate is expressed as 100%, the upper limit of the setting range is 200%. Claim 4 A scoliosis correction system according to claim 1, wherein the X-axis and Y-axis correction displacement distances of each spinal joint of the spine skeleton curve are derived according to each of the X-axis and Y-axis correction rates, and the Z-axis rotation correction amount of each spinal joint of the spine skeleton curve is derived according to the X-axis correction rate. Claim 5 In claim 1, a design of a corrective product is generated using a corrective tool based on the corrective skin model, and the corrective product is a scoliosis correction system comprising a TLSO, corrective clothing, corrective bedding, and a corrective chair. Claim 6 In a method for corrective modeling of a patient's scoliosis, a corrective modeling device generates corrective prescription information for the spine skeleton based on an image of the patient's spine skeleton, and performs physical calculations using a finite element method based on the material properties information of the patient's rib skeleton and spine skeleton, the material properties information of the patient's skin, and the corrective prescription information to correct the patient's skin volume and generate a corrective skin model of the patient, wherein the corrective prescription information includes an X-axis correction rate and a Y-axis correction rate of the patient's spine skeleton curve relative to a normal target curve, wherein the X-axis correction rate is a correction rate in the axial direction and the Y-axis correction rate is a correction rate in the sagittal direction, wherein the target curve uses the seventh cervical vertebra of the spine skeleton curve as a reference point, wherein the target curve maintains the length of the spine skeleton curve, and wherein, in the X-axis correction to which the X-axis correction rate is applied, the distance between adjacent spinal joints of the spine skeleton curve is maintained. A correction modeling method in which the Y coordinates of each vertebra of the target curve and the spine skeleton curve are set identically in the X-axis correction vector, and in the Y-axis correction to which the Y-axis correction rate is applied, the distance between adjacent vertebrae of the spine skeleton curve is maintained, and the X coordinates of each vertebra of the target curve and the spine skeleton curve are set identically in the Y-axis correction vector. Claim 7 In claim 6, the setting range of each of the X-axis correction rate and Y-axis correction rate has an upper limit greater than the full correction rate, and the full correction rate is the correction rate when correcting to the target curve, a correction modeling method. Claim 8 A correction modeling method according to claim 7, wherein when the full correction rate is expressed as 100%, the upper limit of the setting range is 200%. Claim 9 A correction modeling method according to claim 6, wherein the X-axis and Y-axis correction displacement distances of each spinal joint of the spine skeleton curve are derived according to each of the X-axis and Y-axis correction rates, and the Z-axis rotation correction amount of each spinal joint of the spine skeleton curve is derived according to the X-axis correction rate. Claim 10 In claim 6, a correction modeling method is used to generate a design of a correction product using a correction tool based on the correction skin model, wherein the correction product includes a TLSO, correction clothing, correction bedding, and a correction chair.

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