Design and implementation of regulated-pressure brace with on-board control and monitoring abilities for the treatment of scoliosis

摘要

Scoliosis occurs when curve progression of spine, during development years, leads to deformity consisting of abnormal lateral curvature and rotation of the vertebrae. Among three different types of spine curvature, in this work, we are focusing on lateral curvature of spine medically defined as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). The currently used Pressure Belt for brace (orthotic) treatment is not effective in treating AIS patients and better solutions are needed. Currently, the patient is required to wear such belt for long periods of time in the hope of increasing efficiency. Moreover, pressure belt is designed to apply equal pressure to the whole body, not needed and not pleasant to the patient. Therefore, in order to overcome such drawbacks, we have designed and implemented a controlled pressure system that exerts pressure to very specifically designated points of spine curvature. Consequently, we believe this new system will put forth a better system for scoliosis treatment.