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Build-a-Brace: A Novel Spinal Orthotic for Scoliosis

Detailed Technology Description

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*Abstract

BackgroundScoliosis is a complex condition that affects over 140 million people worldwide. A substantial portion of patients suffering from scoliosis are children who live in developing nations with limited access to the latest spinal orthotic technology and specialized physician care.TechnologyBuild-a-Brace is a novel scoliosis back brace constructed of sustainable materials and designed for application by non-physician caregivers. Unlike competing scoliosis orthotics that are both cumbersome and obtrusive, integrating both rigid and flexible components, Build-A-Brace uses a fabric base, and soft sustainable materials resulting in an efficacious device that considers clinical outcome, cost and patient comfort.The design incorporates a low-cost sewing pattern, and a paper pattern that defines the shape of fabric needed to make a custom-fit brace which can accommodate various body shapes. The main components of this design consist of a bolero to provide support, boning to provide rigidity, and elastic bands that apply the appropriate forces to a patientΓÇÖs body. The bio-mechanical forces that these elastic bands apply both support and help to straighten the spines of patients. The sewing pattern also defines a vest with multiple straps and clips to allow for different configurations of tension as the curvature angle changes.ApplicationBuild -a-Brace is specifically targeted at individuals with scoliosis where access to specialized physician care is extremely limited and cost is a major factor in determining eligibility for such a device.Advantages-Inexpensive-Eliminates the need for specialized physician involvement in the application of the deviceStage of DevelopmentPrototypeIP StatusUS Provisional Patent Application

*Principal Investigator

Name: James Braza

Department: Bioengineering Department

Name: Paige Fernald

Department: Bioengineering Department

Name: Juan Menandro Gonzales

Department: Bioengineering Department

Name: Harrison Harker

Department: Bioengineering

Name: Stephanie Lee

Department: Engr-Research Grants

Name: Ian McIntyre

Department: Bioengineering Department

Name: Zachary Patterson

Department: Bioengineering Department

Name: Justin Smialek

Department: Bioengineering Department

Name: David Yantis

Department: Bioengineering Department

Country/Region

USA