Tridimensional trunk surface acquisition for brace manufacturing in idiopathic scoliosis

• Published in: European spine journal Vol. 23; no. Suppl 4; pp. 419 - 423
• Main Authors: Raux, Sébastien, Kohler, Rémi, Garin, Christophe, Cunin, Vincent, Abelin-Genevois, Kariman
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.07.2014; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Adolescent; Body Surface Area; Braces; Casts, Surgical; Child; Computer-Aided Design; Equipment Design; Female; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted - methods; Male; Manufactured Materials; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Neurosurgery; Orthotic Devices; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Prospective Studies; Regular Article; Retrospective Studies; Scoliosis - therapy; Surgical Orthopedics; Brace; CAD-CAM; Idiopathic scoliosis
• ISSN: 0940-6719; 1432-0932
• DOI: 10.1007/s00586-014-3337-4

Introduction Brace manufacturing for idiopathic scoliosis requires trunk surface acquisition. Two methods are currently available to design the trunk shape: craft made technique based on a plaster mold and computer-aided design with 3-D reconstruction of the trunk by optical scanning. The objective of the present review was to compare these two methods. Methodology We describe the different steps to design and manufacture braces used for spinal deformities. Results Our prospective evaluation showed good results in terms of the correction achieved and regarding patients’ in-brace comfort. Discussion Optical scanning for computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) of trunk orthoses have proven their effectiveness. These technologies may help in monitoring conservative treatment and may enhance the brace interaction with the spinal deformity when orthopedic treatment is indicated.