Scoliosis is a condition affecting the lives of 150-235 million patients worldwide, with females being 8 times more likely to be affected. The condition is best treated during adolescence and carries a high risk of spinal surgery if left untreated.
The current treatment approach typically includes wearing a back brace (e.g. Boston, Cheneau or 3D-printed type) for a period of over 2 years. This is combined with frequent physiotherapy/exercise and doctor appointments taking place every 4-6 months to assess progress.
Low patient adherence to the back brace wearing time (typically 18 hours per day) but also improper fitting of the brace by the patient are the main problems preventing treatment effectiveness, often resulting in high-risk spinal surgery.
AidPlex has developed and patented a solution to this problem in the form of a wearable system for monitoring scoliosis treatment that uses pressure sensors and a lightweight device that is attached to the brace. ScolioSense can be fitted onto any type of back brace and transform it to a smart device. By measuring and tracking the pressure applied to target areas on the patient’s body the system enables accurate tracking of the brace wearing time and provides much-needed feedback to the patient about correct wearing.
ScolioSence allows patients, carers and physicians to monitor the progress of the treatment through objective data which is visualized and reported in suitable form. In addition, through alerts and gamification elements (rewards & achievements) it encourages patients to self-manage their condition and helps them feel empowered.
To learn more, visit the website of Aidplex.
