Dynamic Multi-Segment Orthosis for Scoliosis Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current rigid full-torso braces for scoliosis treatment face limitations such as inconsistent reduction forces due to ineffective molding, patient growth, posture changes, and discomfort, leading to poor compliance and muscle tone loss during prolonged wear.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic, multi-segment torso brace with adjustable elastic coupling mechanisms that allow limited motion and precise force application, utilizing semi-rigid and shape-memory materials to apply corrective forces in multiple planes, enabling customization and easy adjustment to accommodate growth and spinal deformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid full-torso brace is used for scoliosis treatment, then the brace can provide structural support and halt curve progression, but it causes discomfort, muscle tone loss, and poor compliance during prolonged wear
Solution Approach 1:
The brace is divided into multiple rigid segments that can be independently positioned and adjusted along the spinal column. Each segment can be separately customized to apply specific corrective forces to different regions of the spine, allowing the brace to maintain effectiveness while improving comfort and compliance through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace incorporates adjustable coupling mechanisms that allow dynamic modification of the brace's geometry and applied forces. This enables the brace to adapt to patient growth and posture changes over time, maintaining therapeutic effectiveness while allowing for periodic adjustments that can improve comfort and compliance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid thermoplastic brace is custom molded to the patient's torso, then it can provide consistent contact forces, but it becomes ineffective due to patient growth, posture changes, and molding limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The brace transitions from a static molded structure to a dynamic adjustable system where rigid segments can be repositioned along the spinal column. This allows the brace to maintain consistent contact forces therapeutically while adapting to patient growth and posture changes through periodic adjustments of segment positions and coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The brace allows modification of geometric parameters including segment positions, coupling angles, and applied force magnitudes. These parameter changes enable the brace to adapt to patient growth and posture changes while maintaining the therapeutic effectiveness of consistent contact forces on the spine.
3Force
If the brace is made rigid to provide corrective forces, then it can effectively correct spinal deformity, but it causes muscle tone loss due to lack of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The brace applies rigid corrective forces locally at specific segments of the spine where deformity is present, rather than immobilizing the entire torso. This localized approach allows corrective forces to be applied where needed while permitting motion in other regions, thereby maintaining muscle tone while achieving therapeutic correction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides consistent and adjustable corrective forces, allowing for effective tissue remodeling and growth accommodation, improving compliance and reducing muscle tone loss by allowing motion and customizable fit, thus effectively halting or correcting spinal deformities like scoliosis.
Implementation Method 1
one or more adjustable coupling mechanisms elastically coupled between adjacent ring segments comprising: at least one elastic member secured and adjustably fixated at a proximal end to a drive unit
Implementation Method 2
utilizing semi-rigid and shape-memory materials to apply corrective forces in multiple planes
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods of correction of spinal deformity that overcome current limitations by utilizing a dynamic, multi-segment torso orthosis that allows motion during wear. The disclosed embodiments utilize a series of elastically coupled segments that conform to the circumference of the torso of a patient. Adjustable elastic coupling mechanisms are utilized to create and alter forces and moments that are applied to the torso through the segments. These elastic coupling mechanisms also allow each circumferential segment to move relative to the other segments giving the brace dynamic capability.