Background: The efficiency of the braces designed for scoliotic subjects depends on configurations and also magnitudes of the forces used to stabilize and correct scoliotic curve. However, the effects of various force configurations on the spinal curves in sagittal plane should also be considered. The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of various force configurations on scoliotic, lordotic and kyphotic curves.
Method: A 3d model of spine was developed based on CT scan images of spine obtained from a scoliotic girl. The model was exported to Abaqus software to check the effects of various force configurations and magnitudes on spinal curves. The spinal curves in thoracic and lumbar, lordotic and kyphotic curves were evaluated in this study. Transverse forces, vertical forces and combination of transverse and vertical forces were selected in this study.
Results: The results of this study showed that use of transverse forces did not influence the scoliotic curve significantly. Vertical directed forces not only decreased scoliotic curves but also decreased lordotic and kyphotic curves. It seems that a combination of both transverse and vertical directed forces decreased scoliotic curves but did not influence spinal curves in sagittal plane.
Conclusion: It is recommended to use a combination of transverse and vertical forces to decrease scoliotic curve without significant side effects on the spinal curves in sagittal plane. As this is a case study the outputs of the study should be used with caution.
Keywords: 3d model; Finite element analysis; Kyphosis; Lordosis; Scoliosis.