The use of new materials in the production of scoliosis braces

Scoliosis is defined as a lateral curvature of the spine [1], the presence of which is abnormal. The term scoliosis is derived from the Greek word for curvature [2]. It can give the body a disfigured appearance because when the spine bends to the side, the vertebrae become twisted and pull the ribs round with them, which sometimes form a “hump” on the back and cause protrusion of the shoulder blade. At present, there are two options in the treatment of scoliosis (bracing or surgery) [3]. The current practice to prevent curves from getting worse is to wear a brace. However, due to present materials and manufacturing methods, braces tend to be heavy and bulky and wearing a brace for a self-conscious teenager is not an easy treatment. This paper presents the main findings of research and analysis conducted on other materials which are potentially suitable for spinal brace production. It concludes that with the use of a new materials and manufacturing method the production of a more user-friendly brace is possible.