Digitalized 3D Spinal Decompression and Correction Device Improved Initial Brace Corrections and Patients' Comfort Among Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Single-Centre, Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel three-dimensional (3D) spinal decompression and correction device in improving the in-brace correction and patient comfort level for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and to assess the impact of the number of vertebrae involved in the scoliotic curve on the correction's effectiveness. A single-centre, single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in 110 AIS patients aged 10-18 years who were randomly allocated into four groups receiving 0-3 days of device intervention. Each session lasted for 30 min and was conducted twice daily.

Enhancing university students' engagement in studying assistive technology by case-based active learning: a pilot study in Hong Kong.

Assistive technology (AT) professionals are in pressing need with nowadays growing aged/disabled population, so as well-designed higher education programs in this field. This study designed and implemented a case-based active learning approach within an undergraduate course related to AT in Hong Kong, and assessed its impact on enhancing student engagement over two academic years. A total of twelve multimedia patient case dossiers on six major physical disabilities were created.

Effect of different corrective force directions applied by spinal orthoses on the patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Background: Spinal orthoses are commonly prescribed for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), yet their three-dimensional correction was not fully understood. The amount of deformity control largely depends on the corrective forces applied, which remain empirically based due to a lack of consensus on optimal force application. This study investigated the effects of different corrective force directions exerted by spinal orthoses on patients with AIS.

The application of machine learning methods for predicting the progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review.

Predicting curve progression during the initial visit is pivotal in the disease management of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)-identifying patients at high risk of progression is essential for timely and proactive interventions. Both radiological and clinical factors have been investigated as predictors of curve progression. With the evolution of machine learning technologies, the integration of multidimensional information now enables precise predictions of curve progression.

Automated 3D Cobb Angle Measurement Using U-Net in CT Images of Preoperative Scoliosis Patients.

To propose a deep learning framework "SpineCurve-net" for automated measuring the 3D Cobb angles from computed tomography (CT) images of presurgical scoliosis patients. A total of 116 scoliosis patients were analyzed, divided into a training set of 89 patients (average age 32.4 ± 24.

Associations between spinal flexibility and bracing outcomes in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a literature review.

Objectives: To identify the existing assessment methods used to measure the spinal flexibility of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis before bracing and to evaluate the predictive effect of spinal flexibility on bracing outcomes.

Methods: A broad literature search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases to obtain relevant information about spinal flexibility and bracing outcomes. All literature was retrieved by October 14, 2023.

Effectiveness of Orthotic Treatment on Clinical Outcomes of the Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Under Different Wearing Compliance Levels: A Systematic Review.

Background: Wearing spinal orthosis for 16 to 23 hours a day during the teenage years could be challenging and stressful for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The investigation of clinical outcomes under various orthosis-wearing compliances can provide helpful insight into orthotic treatment dosage. This systematic review aims to investigate actual orthosis-wearing compliance and evaluate the effectiveness of orthotic treatment in controlling scoliotic curvature and preventing surgery for patients with AIS under various levels of orthosis-wearing compliance.

A feasibility study of application of purpose-design frame and 3-D clinical ultrasound in assessment and design of spinal orthoses for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Background: The immediate in-orthosis correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a useful prognostic parameter for the long-term orthotic treatment outcome. The 3-D clinical ultrasound technique is considered a noninvasive alternative to assess scoliotic deformities that could be applied in the orthotic treatment of AIS.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a purpose-design assessment frame in estimating biomechanical effects of the controlling pads of a spinal orthosis under the guidance of the ultrasound system.

Going below and beyond the surface: Microneedle structure, materials, drugs, fabrication, and applications for wound healing and tissue regeneration.

Microneedle, as a novel drug delivery system, has attracted widespread attention due to its non-invasiveness, painless and simple administration, controllable drug delivery, and diverse cargo loading capacity. Although microneedles are initially designed to penetrate stratum corneum of skin for transdermal drug delivery, they, recently, have been used to promote wound healing and regeneration of diverse tissues and organs and the results are promising. Despite there are reviews about microneedles, few of them focus on wound healing and tissue regeneration.

Effect of different undergarment designs on the compliance and acceptance of the patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis under orthotic treatment.

Background: Patient's acceptance and compliance to spinal orthosis could influence the outcome of orthotic treatment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Two innovative undergarments (thin and thick designs) were designed to improve the patient's orthosis wearing experience and acceptance.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of patients' self-provided undergarment and 2 newly designed undergarments with respect to the orthosis wearing compliance and quality of life (QoL) measures.

Fostering integration among students with different backgrounds using an orthotic community service program.

Background: In this globalization era, institutions are developing strategies including international service-learning pedagogies to integrate global perspectives and dimensions into the learning and teaching processes to develop students' capacity in intercultural competence.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the students' intercultural learning outcome through provision of orthotic community service to the less-privileged children.

Methods: A Hong Kong-based university collaborated with 2 American universities to conduct an orthotic community service program for the children with cerebral palsy in mainland China.

Compliance study of hip protector users for prevention of fragility fracture: A pilot randomized trial.

Background: Hip protectors have been widely used for hip fracture prevention in the elderly, but its efficacy remains controversial. Users' compliance to hip protector is an important factor for its efficacy. However, the assessment of users' compliance tended to be subjective and unreliable in the past.

Nonoperative management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using braces.

This review presents the state of the art according to the current evidence on nonoperative treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, focusing on bracing. The definition of braces for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and a short history are provided. The analysis includes biomechanics, types, existing classifications, indications for treatment, time of brace wear and weaning, adherence, three-dimensional modeling, use of ultrasound imaging for bracing, management of treatment, issue of immediate in-brace correction, and documentation of the outcomes usually assessed for brace treatment, including the quality-of-life issues.

Biomechanical Effects of Thoracolumbosacral Orthosis Design Features on 3D Correction in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Comprehensive Multicenter Study.

Study Design: Multicenter numerical study.

Objective: To biomechanically analyze and compare various passive correction features of braces, designed by several centers with diverse practices, for three-dimensional (3D) correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Summary Of Background Data: A wide variety of brace designs exist, but their biomechanical effectiveness is not clearly understood.

The classification of scoliosis braces developed by SOSORT with SRS, ISPO, and POSNA and approved by ESPRM.

Purpose: Studies have shown that bracing is an effective treatment for patients with idiopathic scoliosis. According to the current classification, almost all braces fall in the thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) category. Consequently, the generalization of scientific results is either impossible or misleading.

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Clinical Effectiveness of 3D-Printed Orthosis in the Management of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Study Design: Prospective randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To compare clinical effectiveness and quality of life (QoL) of the 3D-printed orthosis (3O) and conventional orthosis (CO) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Summary Of Background Data: Using 3D printing technology to design and fabricate orthoses to manage AIS aiming to improve in-orthosis correction and patients' compliance that are considered essential factors of effective treatment.

Pain issues in the victims with lower-limb amputation: 10 years after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.

Purpose: To study the prevalence, intensity, and bothersomeness of amputation-related pain and further to identify the potential risk factors in the victims with lower-limb amputation 10 years after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.

Methods: In the cross-sectional study, 66 victims with lower-limb amputation were recruited. The Prostheses Evaluation Questionnaire was used to document the prevalence, intensity, and bothersomeness of amputation-related pain.

Estimation of plane of maximum curvature for the patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis via a purpose-design computational method.

Purpose: The coronal Cobb angle is commonly used for assessing the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS); however, it may underestimate the severity of AIS while the plane of maximum curvature (PMC) could be a promising descriptor for three-dimensional assessment of AIS. This study aimed to develop a computational method (CM) for estimating the PMC based on the coronal and sagittal images of the spine, and to verify the results with computed tomography (CT).

Methods: Twenty-eight thoracic and 24 lumbar curves from 30 subjects with AIS were analysed.

Assessment of the plane of maximum curvature for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis via computed tomography.

Background: In the assessment of three-dimensional features of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the plane of maximum curvature was compared with the coronal Cobb angle.

Objectives: To investigate the intrarater reliability, variability, and difference of the prone plane of maximum curvature measurements taken from computed tomography using the constrained and unconstrained Cobb methods; to assess the difference and correlation between the prone plane of maximum curvature measurements obtained using the constrained and unconstrained Cobb methods; and to examine differences and correlation between the prone plane of maximum curvature Cobb angle and coronal Cobb angle measurements.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

The Intelligent Automated Pressure-Adjustable Orthosis for Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Bi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of the automated pressure-adjustable orthosis (PO) and conventional orthosis (CO) for treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Summary Of Background Data: Orthosis wearing quality may influence its effectiveness for AIS.

Effect of Kinesio taping on electromyographic activity of leg muscles during gait in children with developmental coordination disorder: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Kinesio tape (KT) on lower limb muscle activation pattern in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) during walking.

Design: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial.

Setting: University laboratory setting.