The Intelligent Brace: A Compliance Monitoring System for Scoliosis

Scoliosis, a condition where there is lateral curvature of the spine, affects an estimated 6 million people in the United States. There is widespread use of bracing for treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and recent studies have begun documenting its efficacy. These studies have indicated that user compliance is a large, yet largely unquantified, factor in successful outcomes. There are two factors that comprise wear compliance: (1) the quantity of wear (i.e., wear time) and (2) the quality of wear (i.e., tightness of fit). Without both criteria being met, the effectiveness of the brace treatment is compromised. The Intelligent Brace for Scoliosis will utilize advanced MEMS technology to measure the pressure applied by the brace to determine both the quality and quantity of fit. The goal is to provide real-time monitoring and data logging to help both the patient and clinician determine if, and when, a brace is being worn effectively. The patient will get immediate feedback if the brace is improperly adjusted to help them obtain optimal fit and maximum benefit from the brace. The daily wear time will be logged and available to the clinician, enabling them to ensure the prescription is being followed and intervene when necessary.