Semi-Automatic Computer-Aided System for Scoliosis Brace Design

Chun-Sing Chui E, Yue K, Ka-Kwan Mak K, Hin-Ting Ng R, Hung L-H, Lau H-Y, Wing-Fung Yau E, Tsang P-L, Chun-Hai Fung E, Chan M-S, Cheung W-H, Law S-W, Man-Yeung Wong R and Yung S-H

Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Australia Koln 3D Technology Medical Ltd, Hong Kong, China

^*Correspondance to: Sheung-Wai Law 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.3703

Abstract

With the emergence of Three-Dimensional (3D) printing technology, there has been a significant advancement in the design of corrective scoliosis braces. These braces can now incorporate multiplanar corrections, resulting in reduced manufacturing time and improved precision compared to conventional manual procedures. However, despite its potential, widespread adoption of 3D printing in this field is hindered by several factors. These include the lengthy design process; the limited availability of user-friendly scoliosis bracing design software for surgeons/orthoptists, and the additional resources required for technology development. In this study, a software system for personalized bracing design was developed using Blender. The system encompasses various features such as bi-planar X-ray/3D scan matching, machine-learning-based automatic spine segmentation, semi-automatic progressive scoliosis correction prediction based on free-form deformation, 3D bracing construction, and 3D model output function for 3D printing. The system was utilized by an orthopedic surgeon to design braces for 10 patients. All the 3D braces were printed using Nylon-12 material in a three-dimensional space. The findings of this study demonstrate several advantages of the developed system. Firstly, it significantly reduces the time required for designing 3D-printed scoliosis braces. Secondly, it decreases the learning curve associated with the software and minimizes the communication time necessary for treatment planning. Lastly, it provides accurate and comprehensive planning for scoliosis correction. Overall, the system facilitates the widespread adoption of 3D printing technology, benefiting a larger number of patients in need of scoliosis braces.

Keywords

Scoliosis; Scoliosis brace; 3D-printing technology

Cite the article

Chun-Sing Chui E, Yue K, Ka-Kwan Mak K, Hin-Ting Ng R, Hung L-H, Lau H-Y, et al. Semi-Automatic Computer- Aided System for Scoliosis Brace Design. Clin Surg. 2024; 9: 3703..