Evaluation of a newly developed hybrid brace for scoliosis: Usability tests and subject-specific finite element analysis

BackgroundA scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine and the rib cage. Mild to moderate scoliosis generally is treated with an orthosis to prevent curve progression and to reduce deformity. It is necessary to develop a scoliosis brace which is more comfortable to wear for maximizing its treatment effect and usability.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the newly developed hybrid brace for the treatment of scoliosis by usability tests and a subject-specific finite element analysis.MethodsUsability tests were completed with 10 moderate scoliosis patients and a subject-specific finite element analysis was conducted for one patient subject to evaluate the new hybrid brace.ResultsWith wearing a new hybrid brace, average cobb angles were corrected from 36.9 ± 4.3° to 28.3 ± 3.1° (22.0%) in usability tests. Compressive forces obtained from the attached pressure sensors in a new hybrid brace was applied to a subject-specific finite element model for the one of scoliosis patients. The Cobb angle was corrected 36.7% in the silico model which is similar to the usability test (34.1%).ConclusionsThese results show that the new hybrid brace in this study has an initial corrective performance similar to that of a proven brace. This study presented an evaluation method for predicting corrective effect of a newly developed hybrid brace for patients with scoliosis through initial performance analysis and constructing a subject-specific finite element model of the patient.