Recently, Peking Union Medical College Hospital announced,The patent "An Intelligent Scoliosis Correction Brace and System" is proposed to be transferred to Beijing Fule Science & Technology Development Co., LTD (hereinafter referred to as: Beijing Fule) at a transaction price of 500,000 yuan.
The completion of this achievement is attributed toZhaoyu TeamZhao Yu is a professor of orthopedics at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, mainly focusing on a series of research on spinal deformities and thoracic spinal stenosis. In the past five years, he has undertaken more than 10 scientific research projects, including key projects of the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Natural Science Foundation, and participated in the compilation of several guidelines and specifications. According to Patent Star data, Zhao Yu's team currently has 40 orthopedic-related patents (including utility models).
Beijing Fule is one of the earlier medical device companies in China engaged in the research, development, and production of orthopedic consumables. Currently, it has five major categories of products: spinal fixation series, limb trauma series, multi-functional external fixation frame series, sports medicine products, knee joint rehabilitation braces, and accompanying surgical instruments.Hundreds of devices approved。
This patent mainly involves the monitoring and correction of scoliosis. Currently, due to mass production, spinal orthoses are difficult to match with the "varied body data of different patients," and it is also hard for orthoses to adjust synchronously with the patient's physical changes, resulting in limited corrective effects.This patent enables intelligent correction, significantly improving the correction effect while offering good applicability, a simple structure, and ease of mass production.
The Development of Spinal Correctors Shows a Trend of Integration with 3D Printing and Artificial Intelligence
Scoliosis is a physical deformity caused by poor living habits or heredity and genes, commonly occurring in adolescents and children. According to preliminary epidemiological data from the Scoliosis Prevention and Control Committee of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, there are already more than 5 million scoliosis patients among primary and secondary school students in China. In recent years, due to changes in modern lifestyles, the number of adult scoliosis patients has also been increasing annually.In patients with scoliosis, over 90% have a curvature of only 10° to 20°, which is considered mild to moderate scoliosis and can be treated with exercise rehabilitation alone. When the curvature exceeds 20°, surgical correction is required.The most widely recognized and reliable non-surgical treatment is the use of spinal orthoses.Spinal correctors can stabilize the spine, assist in correction, improve scoliosis, and reduce the likelihood of surgery for patients in the later stages. Currently, spinal correctors can be further divided into three categories:Cervical Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (CTLSO), Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (LSO), and Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (TLSO).The functions of these three correctors, as well as the patient groups they target, are also different.Cervical Thoracic Lumbar Sacral OrthosisIt is a type of orthosis with a neck collar or upper metal structure. Primarily used to control and correct upper thoracic scoliotic deformities, its range of effect can extend to the cervical spine. The American Milwaukee brace is representative of cervico-thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthoses. It corrects the scoliotic angle by placing pads on the ribs at the convex side, but its ability to correct rotational deformities is limited. Additionally, one advantage of this brace is that it can be concealed under clothing without affecting the patient’s appearance.Lumbosacral OrthosisCan support and fix the lumbosacral area, help reduce the load on the spine, and restrict movement in certain directions of the spine to achieve a corrective effect. The thoracolumbosacral orthosis acts on the armpit and lumbar vertebrae and is mainly used to control and correct lower thoracic scoliosis deformities. It is worth noting that,Thoracolumbosacral OrthosisIt belongs to a细分领域of the lumbosacral orthosis category, but due to its high market share, it is often regarded as an independent classification.With the development of technology, spinal orthoses have emerged withDigital Medicine, Artificial IntelligenceThe trend of combined development of technologies provides patients with more precise and personalized treatment plans.In 2020,Ruzhi Lu, Shanghai Jiao Tong Universityet al. once digitally designed spinal braces using 3D printing technology. The 3D-printed scoliosis brace not only fits the human anatomy more closely and effectively but also improves material utilization, with a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The team also followed up with patients who wore the device for six months. Twenty-four hours after the patients removed the brace, standing full-length spinal X-rays were performed, showing good corrective results.In 2021, the Wang Jinwu team from the Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine developed an intelligent 3D-printed spinal corrector. The team installed multiple pressure sensors inside the corrector, which automatically adjust the airbags based on how well they fit the patient, ensuring the optimal corrective position at all times.
Spinal Correctors Have Achieved Domestic Substitution in China
In the Chinese market, spinal correctors have achieved domestic substitution, with some Chinese manufacturers emerging.Weigao, Dabo Medical, and Chunli Medical, giants in China-produced spinal consumables,Its product line covers various types of orthoses from cervical to lumbosacral, meeting the needs of different patients. Additionally, there are products such asHuazhu Medical, Lingdong MedicalEnterprises specializing in the research, development, and production of spinal braces.In 2019, Huazhu Medical Technology collaborated with the Meizhao Master Skills Studio and established the "Huazhi" brand, taking the lead in raising the banner for domestically produced scoliosis brace brands in China. Currently, Huazhi hasFour Products Approved for MarketingThe spinal correctors are all made using 3D printing technology. In addition to the correctors, Huazhi also provides foot insole interventions and rehabilitation training guidance around the issue of scoliosis, helping patients achieve more comprehensive recovery.Zero Dynamics MedicalNot solely focused on screening or rehabilitation alone, but rather establishing a complete system from screening and prevention, analysis and treatment, to health management.Reduce patient dropout and strengthen the continuity of treatment.Currently, Zero Motion Medical has developed a range of products and digital management systems, including the Dr. Body-Scan Infrared 3D Spinal and Posture Analyzer, Dr. Body Posture Doctor mini-program, Dr. Body Posture Correction Belt, Dr. Body Orthotic Insoles, and 3D Intelligent Orthotic Braces for abnormal spinal curvature, covering the entire process from scoliosis screening to conservative treatment.Overall, the localization of spinal orthoses in China has not only improved the accessibility of the products but also reduced costs, enabling more patients to afford high-quality treatment devices. At the same time, compared with overseas enterprises, domestic companies can provide personalized correction solutions that better fit the physical characteristics and needs of the Chinese population, achieving a dual improvement in both domestic technology and national health standards.*Cover image source: Magic Pen PROMore exciting content
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