Abstract
Background: Scoliosis is a three-dimensional (3-D) spinal deformity that is associated with changes in the alignment of the spine in sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes. Various treatment approaches have been used to control scoliotic curve progression and decrease the curve. Although various braces have been used in this regard, it would be difficult to check the effects of multiple types of braces on scoliotic curve correction for each scoliotic patient. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of various force magnitudes and configurations on scoliotic curve correction. Methods: A 3-D model of a scoliotic patient was produced based on CT scan images of the total spine. The scoliotic curves were 21 and 45 degrees in lumbar and thoracic parts, respectively. Mimics software was used to produce a 3-D model of the spine. The stress developed in the spine structure and the magnitude of correction achieved were evaluated following the use of various force configurations and magnitudes by use of finite element analysis (FEA). Results: The results of this analysis showed that vertical forces were more effective than transversely directed forces in decreasing scoliotic curve. There was an inverse relationship between the corrections of lumbar and thoracic curves. However, use of vertically directed forces decreased both lumbar and thoracic curves. An increase in the magnitude of transverse forces did not increase the correction, but it did increase the stress developed in the structure. Conclusions: The results of this case study confirmed the efficiency of vertically directed forces to decrease scoliotic curves of lumbar and thoracic spinal parts. The results of this analysis confirmed the results of the available literature, which support the efficiency of some braces such as Boston, Lyon, and Cheneau, which were mostly designed based on full contact and vertical traction. The results of this study also support the feasibility of finite element analysis to predict the output of brace treatment by use of various force configurations. Level of Evidence: Level IV.
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