Here are seven notes:
1. Sunil Agrawal, professor of mechanical engineering and of rehabilitation and regenerative medicine at Columbia, N.Y., is heading the project.
2. David P. Roye, St. Giles Foundation professor of pediatrics orthopedic surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, and Charles Kim, professor of mechanical engineering at Bucknell (Pa.) University are working with Mr. Agrawal on the project.
3. The three professors want to create a scoliosis brace void of rigidity, that moves flexibly with children.
4. The National Science Foundation’s National Robotics Initiative awarded a $1 million grant for the project.
5. The team developed prototype wearable spine braces with rings that fit on the torso. Dynamically actuated by servomotors on adjacent rings, these rings control the pressure on the body. Motion data from the sensors is received by a computer, where physicians can adjust treatment.
6. A passive brace is also in the works, in which compliant components adjust stiffness in certain directions.
7. Mr. Agrawal and his team plan to test their different prototypes on children with scoliosis at CUMC.
More articles on devices:
Hip fracture patients suffer worse outcomes than hip replacement patients — 4 facts
Precision Spine’s pedicle screw systems receive FDA approval: 4 key notes
EOS imaging expands leadership team: 5 key notes
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
