2021
author
Sonia Nowok (PL)
title
Supporting the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis by shaping orthoses using the 3D printing technology
degree
M.A. project
school
Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków
supervisor
prof. dr hab. Czesława Frejlich
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of three planes of the spine that appears mostly in teenage girls. The young patients who undergo conservative treatment often refuse to wear traditional spinal braces as they make them feel uncomfortable and unattractive. The designer created an orthosis that looks better and is comfortable to wear. The project was made on the basis of a 3D scan of a patient and the prototype was printed in the SLS technology. As the orthosis is divided into modules, it is adjustable and can be used for a longer time. The material used, alongside the openwork structure and variable thickness, ensures body ventilation and protection of sensitive areas. The project was consulted by experts in orthotics and modern technologies.