This prototype presents a novel intervention for patients experiencing detrimental curvature of their spine, namely scoliosis. These medical conditions affect 2-3% of the American population, representing around 6-9 million people. The use of Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) allows for a hybrid approach–bridging between static bracing and invasive surgery–with the smart material offering enhanced features and customisation over those existing solutions.
The main apparatus works by strapping artificial ribs around a patient’s chest, and using the contraction when heat is applied to the SMA as counter-tension, straightening their spinal column. In the works-like demonstration, heat is applied by running a current through the wire. The position is maintained by a larger gauge fixed core that anchors the corrective posture throughout the day. Experimental studies have shown that heat applied to musculature regions, in combination with stretching, can help reform posture overtime. By placing heat packs in the central nodes of each rib, positive growth can be simulated to rehabilitate the stabilization over time. Overall, the potential for smart devices in back bracing reduces the likelihood to need surgery, overcomes the fixed nature and inflexibility of traditional braces, all in a slim and user-friendly design that is nearly invisible with an over-shirt. With an improved medical device, and less pronounced intervention, user confidence would increase and the stigma around back braces in adolescents would decrease.
