Development of a Dynamic Pressure Monitoring Undergarment to Improve Brace Treatment for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in Children Aged 10 to 15

What this Trial Is About

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis AIS affects children aged 10 to 16 and involves a three-dimensional curvature of the spine. This research aims to develop and evaluate a dynamic pressure monitoring system to better understand the pressure applied by braces used in AIS treatment. The study focuses on improving brace design by measuring pressure distribution and determining safe pressure levels to prevent skin injuries, addressing common discomfort and complications from current brace treatments. The study involves adolescent patients aged 10 to 15 with immature skeletons and scoliosis treated with rigid thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis TLSO braces. Participants will wear a specially designed undergarment embedded with fibre optic sensors to measure pressure signals between the body and the brace. The experiment includes wearing the TLSO brace and then an anisotropic textile brace to compare the forces applied and evaluate brace effectiveness using X-ray imaging. Throughout the study, pressure measurements will be taken about 2 hours after brace wear to assess pressure distribution and dynamics. Participants will complete quality of life and pain scale questionnaires after six months of brace wear. The research team will monitor outcomes related to pressure effects and brace performance, aiming to improve comfort and treatment results. The total study duration includes initial measurements and follow-up assessments over six months.

Dynamic Pressure Monitoring System for Orthotic Treatment of Scoliosis