Scoliosis treatment brace

Abstract

The scheme discloses a kind of scoliosis treatment brace in medical rehabilitation orthopedic technical field, including connecting belt, tightness regulator and multiple pressure pads, multiple the pressure pad is distributed in the different parts of patient's torso, and pressure pad is used to press in the direction of torso;The connecting belt is used to connect multiple pressure pads and position pressure pad in pressure application site;Tightness regulator is connected between pressure pad and connecting belt.Multiple pressure pads cooperate and target pressure is applied, counteracts spinal rotation, opens concave side chest cavity;To main bending segment directional traction, cooperate with connecting belt to provide axial tension;Also fixed iliac wing balance inclination.Pressure can be dynamically adjusted, and tightness regulator changes tension, initial light pressure gradually increases to optimal pressure, reduces at night, recovers during the day.Independent pressure pad can be replaced individually, and individual customization is realized.The scheme overcomes the deficiencies of individualization, comfort, economy and adjustment convenience in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of medical rehabilitation and orthopedic technology, and specifically relates to a scoliosis treatment brace. Background Technology

[0002] Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common three-dimensional spinal deformity, mainly characterized by lateral curvature of the spine in the coronal plane, deviating from the body midline. It is often accompanied by vertebral rotation and other abnormalities, accounting for approximately 80% of all scoliosis cases. It poses a threat to the cardiopulmonary function and physical development of adolescents, and has become the third leading cause of disease harming the health of children and adolescents in my country, after obesity and myopia. A 2024 study showed that the prevalence of scoliosis among Chinese adolescents aged 10-18 was 1.2%, and has been gradually increasing in recent years.

[0003] Currently, treatment methods for scoliosis mainly include surgical and non-surgical treatments. Among non-surgical treatments, orthotic braces are one of the most common methods. Traditional scoliosis braces primarily employ a one-piece design and are made of thermoplastic materials, offering some corrective effect. However, these traditional braces have the following drawbacks:

[0004] 1. Low degree of customization: Traditional braces are difficult to perfectly match the patient's spinal shape, resulting in poor correction effects. Because each person's scoliosis is different, traditional braces cannot provide personalized correction plans, affecting treatment outcomes.

[0005] 2. Poor comfort: One-piece braces can easily cause patients to feel stuffy and uncomfortable, affecting their compliance with wearing them. Traditional braces are usually made of thermoplastic materials, which have poor breathability and can easily lead to skin problems such as eczema and pressure sores if worn for a long time.

[0006] 3. Heavy economic burden: Frequent replacement of braces due to ill-fitting braces increases the financial burden on patients. The customization and replacement costs of traditional braces are high, placing a significant financial strain on patients requiring long-term treatment.

[0007] 4. Inconvenient adjustment: The adjustment and maintenance of traditional braces are relatively complicated and require professional personnel to operate, which increases the difficulty of use and time cost for patients.

[0008] 5. Lack of effective pressure monitoring devices: Patients often cannot determine whether the pressure is appropriate when adjusting it themselves. This not only leads to uneven distribution of corrective force, affecting the corrective effect, but may also cause skin damage, pain, and other problems due to excessive local pressure, thus delaying the treatment process. Utility Model Content

[0009] This invention aims to address the shortcomings of existing scoliosis treatment braces in terms of personalization, comfort, economy, and ease of adjustment, by proposing a customizable scoliosis treatment brace. This achieves personalized correction, improves the corrective effect, and enhances wearing comfort.

[0010] The scoliosis treatment brace in this solution includes a connecting strap, a tension adjuster, and multiple pressure pads. The multiple pressure pads are distributed at different parts of the patient's torso and are used to apply pressure towards the torso. The connecting strap is used to connect the multiple pressure pads and position the pressure pads at the pressure application points. The tension adjuster is connected between the pressure pads and the connecting strap.

[0011] The working principle of this solution is as follows: During spinal correction, multiple pressure pads are attached to the sides of the chest cavity, the lateral waist, the hips, etc. When the connecting belts are connected, they generate a force concentrated in the direction of the spine. Under the action of pressure, the spinal correction is performed, and the vertebrae that are far away from the central axis of the trunk are pressed towards the central axis to slowly reposition them.

[0012] The connecting straps precisely lock the pressure pads onto the body surface at the apex of the scoliosis, avoiding the shifting of corrective force caused by the displacement of traditional braces. The lateral connecting straps transmit the lateral thrust of the pressure pads, forming a circumferential force on the scoliosis segment, while the longitudinal connecting straps guide the spine to extend along the sagittal plane, counteracting kyphosis and dispersing local pressure to avoid concentrated loads.

[0013] The pressure is finely adjusted by using the tension adjuster. By operating the tension adjuster, the tension of the connecting belt is changed, achieving "multi-point linkage". This changes the fit between each pressure pad and the body, adjusting the local force on the spine, and positively improving the scoliosis angle or vertebral rotation.

[0014] The beneficial technical effects of this solution are:

[0015] I. Targeted Pressure Application of Pressure Pads

[0016] The chest pressure pad acts on the convex side of the chest wall during scoliosis, counteracting the spinal rotation caused by rib protrusion through lateral thrust, while opening the concave side of the chest cavity to improve cardiopulmonary function. Traditional braces, due to their integrated design, cannot precisely act on the rotating vertebrae.

[0017] The pressure pads in the lumbar region apply directional traction to the main curvature (such as thoracolumbar scoliosis). Through the principle of "pushing the convex and assisting the concave" (applying pressure to the convex side and lifting the concave side), the coronal plane scoliosis angle is gradually corrected. At the same time, the connecting straps provide axial tension in the vertical direction of the trunk, relieving pressure between the vertebrae. Traditional braces can only provide pressure in one direction and cannot take into account both rotation and scoliosis correction.

[0018] The pelvic pressure pad fixes the iliac wing and balances pelvic tilt through horizontal restraint, preventing compensatory scoliosis from worsening and establishing a stable base for spinal correction. In contrast, traditional braces lack targeted pelvic fixation, which can easily lead to failure of corrective force transmission.

[0019] II. Dynamic Pressure Regulation

[0020] The tension adjuster changes the tension of the connecting strap in real time to adjust the pressure pad's fit against the torso, improving comfort and ease of adjustment. For example:

[0021] When first wearing it, apply light pressure to adapt to the body, gradually increasing the pressure weekly (e.g., 5 mmHg) until the optimal therapeutic pressure is reached.

[0022] For nighttime resting conditions, the pressure can be appropriately reduced using a tension adjuster to improve comfort, and the pressure can be restored to therapeutic pressure during daytime activities to achieve "dynamic orthotics".

[0023] III. Suitable for personalized customization

[0024] The design of multiple independent pressure pads connected by a connecting strap allows for the individual replacement of worn parts and the changing of the pressure pad shape according to the orthopedic stage. The tension adjuster can also be reused, reducing the overall replacement cost.

[0025] Furthermore, the brace also includes a pressure detection module and external devices. The pressure monitoring module includes a control unit, a Bluetooth unit, and pressure sensors. The pressure sensors detect the pressure inside the corresponding pressure pads. The control unit is electrically connected to both the pressure sensors and the Bluetooth unit. The Bluetooth unit transmits the pressure data collected by the pressure sensors to the external devices. Each pressure pad integrates a miniature pressure sensor, such as a thin-film strain gauge or a piezoresistive sensor, which is in close contact with the patient's body surface to monitor local pressure in real time. The control unit aggregates the detection data from each pressure sensor, and the Bluetooth unit transmits the data in real time to external devices (such as a doctor's app, a parent's mobile phone, or a hospital workstation) via the BLE 5.0 protocol.

[0026] Furthermore, the external device is selected from tablet computers, smartphones, or computers.

[0027] Furthermore, the pressure pad comprises an outer breathable fabric layer, a middle medical-grade metal plate layer, and an inner medical-grade elastic soft material layer. The metal plate is pre-bent according to the patient's three-dimensional scoliosis data, precisely conforming to the convex side of the body surface curve, facilitating pressure transmission and enabling targeted pressure application. The fabric layer disperses edge stress of the middle metal plate through elastic deformation, preventing localized pain caused by direct pressure from the metal plate on the skin. The elastic soft material layer allows for close contact with the body, avoiding skin compression and friction, improving the comfort of the orthosis, and contributing to better orthodontic results.

[0028] Optimized design: The metal sheet is preferably made of 316L stainless steel or titanium alloy sheet with a thickness of 1-2mm. The hollow design helps to reduce weight and material consumption.

[0029] Furthermore, the soft material layer is made of soft foam material, silicone material, or memory foam.

[0030] Furthermore, both the metal sheet layer and the soft material layer are manufactured using 3D printing. 3D printing obtains the necessary dimensional data by performing a 3D scan of the patient's torso. 3D printing increases mold yield, saves energy and raw materials, and reduces processing time. 3D printing also obtains precise dimensional data by performing a 3D scan of the patient's chest and lumbar region, facilitating the production of personalized orthopedic braces that better fit the body.

[0031] Furthermore, the material of the connecting strip is selected from elastic nylon or fabric.

[0032] Furthermore, the connecting strap is equipped with an airbag adjustment unit, which includes an airbag for the patient's shoulder. The airbag is connected to a one-way valve, and the airbag is connected to an air delivery tube through the one-way valve. The airbag is made of medical-grade polyurethane, and its surface conforms to the curve of the shoulder. Compared to the contact between the connecting strap and the shoulder, it can reduce the pressure on the skin of the shoulder and neck, thus improving comfort. The airbag is connected to the air delivery tube through the one-way valve, and its inflation / deflation can dynamically match changes in shoulder growth / correction, avoiding shoulder compression or loosening.

[0033] Furthermore, the tension adjuster is preferably a tension knob. The knob achieves fine adjustments in the 0.1-0.5mm range through a threaded structure, allowing for precise control of the pressure pad fit for different areas (such as the shoulder and waist). The knob typically employs a one-way ratchet or threaded locking structure internally, capable of withstanding 50-100N axial tension, preventing loosening due to exercise or sweating during wear, ensuring continuous and stable corrective force, and offering high convenience as it can be operated with one hand.

[0034] Furthermore, the connecting strap includes shoulder straps, chest straps, waist belts, hip belts, and multiple oblique pressure straps. The multiple pressure pads are designated as a first pressure pad, a second pressure pad, a third pressure pad, and a fourth pressure pad. The first and second pressure pads are respectively attached to the junction of the serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi muscles below the armpits on both sides, with the first pressure pad located on the convex side and the second pressure pad located on the concave side. The third pressure pad is attached to the lower latissimus dorsi muscle on the convex side of the spine. The fourth pressure pad is attached to the junction of the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscles on the convex side of the pelvis.

[0035] The hip strap wraps around the hip and connects to both ends of the fourth pressure pad; the waist belt wraps around the lower abdomen and connects to the fourth and third pressure pads; the chest strap wraps around the lower side of the chest and connects to the first and second pressure pads; the shoulder strap wraps around the higher shoulder and connects to the fourth and first pressure pads; the elastic shoulder pad is connected to the shoulder strap.

[0036] The front of the shoulder strap is connected to the second pressure pad by a diagonal pressure band that goes around the upper part of the chest; the second pressure pad is connected to the first pressure pad and the third pressure pad at the back by a diagonal pressure band, and the third pressure pad is also connected to the fourth pressure pad at the back by a diagonal pressure band.

[0037] This solution utilizes a combination of multi-band coordinated positioning and targeted pressure pad distribution to construct a three-dimensional orthopedic force network covering the shoulders, chest, waist, and pelvis, forming a closed biomechanical loop for precise biomechanical intervention in scoliosis. The first / second pressure pads, along with shoulder / chest straps, achieve coordinated correction of the shoulders and chest, providing pressure on the convex side and lifting on the concave side. Combined with the oblique pressure straps that lift diagonally from above the chest, this creates coronal plane orthopedic force, enhancing correction efficiency. The third pressure pad (lower latissimus dorsi muscle) applies pressure to the convex side of the spine, working in conjunction with the lateral restraint of the lumbar belt to directly act on the apex of the scoliosis, reducing vertebral rotation.

[0038] The fourth pressure pad (at the junction of the gluteal muscles on the convex side of the pelvis) is fixed in a ring with a hip belt, applying horizontal restraint to correct pelvic tilt, providing stable support for spinal correction, and preventing compensatory scoliosis from worsening. The back oblique pressure belt and the lumbar-pelvic oblique pressure belt are connected at an angle to create a "cross-lift," simulating the effect of spinal traction, increasing the intervertebral space height, relieving nerve root compression symptoms, and simultaneously correcting coronal scoliosis and sagittal kyphosis. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a rear view of Embodiment 1 of the scoliosis treatment brace of this utility model;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a front view of Embodiment 1 of the scoliosis treatment brace of this utility model;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the signal transmission between the pressure detection module and external devices in Embodiment 2 of the scoliosis treatment brace of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:

[0043] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: first pressure pad 1, second pressure pad 2, third pressure pad 3, fourth pressure pad 4, hip belt 5, waist belt 6, shoulder strap 7, elastic shoulder pad 8, diagonal pressure belt 9, elastic knob 10, and chest strap 11.

[0044] The basic implementation examples are as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown: A scoliosis treatment brace includes connecting straps, a tension adjuster (preferably a BOA knob system tension knob 10), elastic shoulder pads 8, and four pressure pads. The connecting straps are made of elastic nylon or fabric. The pressure pads consist of an outer breathable fabric layer, a middle medical-grade metal plate layer, and an inner medical-grade elastic soft material layer. The soft material layer is made of soft foam, silicone, or memory foam. Both the metal plate layer and the soft material layer are manufactured using 3D printing, which obtains the required dimensional data by 3D scanning the patient's torso.

[0045] The elastic shoulder pad 8 is equipped with an airbag adjustment unit, which includes an airbag located inside the elastic shoulder pad 8. The airbag is connected to an inflatable ball through an air guide tube, and a one-way valve is connected to the air guide tube.

[0046] In this design, the connecting straps include shoulder straps 7, chest straps 11, waist belts 6, hip straps 5, and multiple oblique pressure straps 9. The pressure pads are designated as first pressure pad 1, second pressure pad 2, third pressure pad 3, and fourth pressure pad 4. First pressure pad 1 and second pressure pad 2 are attached to the junction of the serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi muscles below the armpits on both sides, with first pressure pad 1 located on the convex side and second pressure pad 2 located on the concave side. Third pressure pad 3 is attached to the lower latissimus dorsi muscle on the convex side of the spine. Fourth pressure pad 4 is attached to the junction of the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscles on the convex side of the pelvis.

[0047] The hip strap 5 wraps around the hip and connects to both ends of the fourth pressure pad 4; the waist belt 6 wraps around the lower abdomen and connects to the fourth pressure pad 4 and the third pressure pad 3; the chest strap 11 wraps around the lower side of the chest and connects to the first pressure pad 1 and the second pressure pad 2; the shoulder strap 7 wraps around the higher shoulder and connects to the fourth pressure pad 4 and the first pressure pad 1; the elastic shoulder pad 8 is connected to the shoulder strap 7.

[0048] The front of the shoulder strap 7 is also connected to the second pressure pad 2 by a diagonal pressure band 9 that goes around the upper part of the chest; the second pressure pad 2 is connected to the first pressure pad 1 and the third pressure pad 3 at the back by a diagonal pressure band 9, and the third pressure pad 3 is also connected to the fourth pressure pad 4 at the back by a diagonal pressure band 9.

[0049] The BOA knob system, a common tension adjustment mechanism found in athletic shoes, is directly purchased and applied to this solution. The knob controls the tightening or loosening of the steel cable by rotation. It is typically made of high-strength plastic or metal with a non-slip surface, allowing for one-handed operation. A press-type knob system is preferred; rotating to tighten and pressing to quickly release the steel cable. The steel cable replaces traditional steel wire or fiber rope, making it wear-resistant and less prone to breakage. A guide ring positioned between the connecting strap and the pressure pad connects to the knob, guiding the steel cable and ensuring even tension.

[0050] During spinal correction, this program utilizes a combination of "multi-belt synergistic positioning + targeted pressure pad distribution" to construct a three-dimensional orthopedic force network covering the shoulders, chest, waist, and pelvis, forming a closed mechanical loop and achieving precise mechanical intervention for scoliosis. The connecting belts generate a concentrated force towards the spine, with multiple parts working together to achieve convex-side pushing and concave-side lifting, applying pressure to vertebrae far from the trunk's central axis to slowly reposition them. The oblique back pressure belt 9 and the lumbar-pelvic oblique pressure belt 9 are connected at an angle, creating a "cross-lift" effect that simulates spinal traction, increases intervertebral disc height, relieves nerve root compression symptoms, and simultaneously corrects coronal scoliosis and sagittal kyphosis.

[0051] The connecting strap precisely locks the pressure pads at the corresponding body surface position at the apex of the scoliosis, avoiding the shift in corrective force caused by the displacement of traditional braces. The pressure is finely adjusted via the tightening knob 10. Operating the tightening knob 10 changes the tension of the connecting strap, achieving "multi-point linkage," thereby altering the fit between each pressure pad and the body. This adjusts the localized force on the spine, resulting in a positive improvement in the scoliosis angle or vertebral rotation.

[0052] The design of multiple independent pressure pads connected by a connecting strap allows for the individual replacement of worn parts and the changing of the pressure pad shape according to the orthopedic stage. The tightening and loosening knob 10 can also be reused, reducing the overall replacement cost.

[0053] Example 2: The difference from Example 1 is that it also includes a pressure detection module and an external device; the external device is selected from a tablet computer, smartphone, or computer. The pressure monitoring module includes a control unit, a Bluetooth unit, and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure inside the pressure pad. The control unit is electrically connected to both the pressure sensor and the Bluetooth unit. The Bluetooth unit transmits the pressure data collected by the pressure sensor to the external device. The information transmission process and working process are as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0054] Example 3: The difference from Example 1 is that the tension adjuster uses Velcro.

Claims

1. A scoliosis treatment brace, characterized in that: The device includes a connecting strap, a tension adjuster, and multiple pressure pads distributed at different locations on the patient's torso, which are used to apply pressure toward the torso. The connecting strap connects the multiple pressure pads and positions them at the pressure application points. The tension adjuster connects the pressure pads and the connecting strap.

2. The scoliosis treatment brace according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a pressure detection module and external devices; the pressure monitoring module includes a control unit, a Bluetooth unit and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure inside the pressure pad. The control unit is electrically connected to the pressure sensor and the Bluetooth unit respectively. The Bluetooth unit transmits the pressure data collected by the pressure sensor to the external devices.

3. The scoliosis treatment brace according to claim 2, characterized in that: The external device is selected from tablet computers, smartphones, or computers.

4. The scoliosis treatment brace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure pad includes an outer breathable fabric layer, a middle medical-grade metal plate layer, and an inner medical-grade elastic soft material layer.

5. The scoliosis treatment brace according to claim 4, characterized in that: The soft material layer is made of soft foam, silicone, or memory foam.

6. The scoliosis treatment brace according to claim 4, characterized in that: Both the metal sheet layer and the soft material layer are manufactured by 3D printing, which obtains the required dimensional data by 3D scanning the patient's torso.

7. The scoliosis treatment brace according to claim 6, characterized in that: The material of the connecting strip is selected from elastic nylon or fabric.

8. The scoliosis treatment brace according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an elastic shoulder pad, with the pressure pad connected to both ends of the elastic shoulder pad via the connecting strap. The elastic shoulder pad is equipped with an airbag adjustment unit, which includes an airbag located inside the elastic shoulder pad. The airbag is connected to an inflatable ball via an air guide tube, and a one-way valve is connected to the air guide tube.

9. The scoliosis treatment brace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tension adjuster is preferably a tension knob.

10. The scoliosis treatment brace according to claim 8, characterized in that: The connecting band includes shoulder straps, chest straps, waist belts, hip straps, and multiple oblique pressure straps. The multiple pressure pads are designated as a first pressure pad, a second pressure pad, a third pressure pad, and a fourth pressure pad. The first and second pressure pads are respectively attached to the junction of the serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi muscles below the armpits on both sides, with the first pressure pad located on the convex side and the second pressure pad located on the concave side. The third pressure pad is attached to the lower latissimus dorsi muscle on the convex side of the spine. The fourth pressure pad is attached to the junction of the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscles on the convex side of the pelvis. The hip strap wraps around the hip and connects to both ends of the fourth pressure pad; the waist belt wraps around the lower abdomen and connects to the fourth and third pressure pads; the chest strap wraps around the lower side of the chest and connects to the first and second pressure pads; the shoulder strap wraps around the higher shoulder and connects to the fourth and first pressure pads; the elastic shoulder pad is connected to the shoulder strap. The front of the shoulder strap is connected to the second pressure pad by a diagonal pressure band that goes around the upper part of the chest; the second pressure pad is connected to the first pressure pad and the third pressure pad at the back by a diagonal pressure band, and the third pressure pad is also connected to the fourth pressure pad at the back by a diagonal pressure band.

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