KR102531824B1 - Device for evaluating spinal flexibility in patients with scoliosis - Google Patents

Abstract

The evaluation device of the present invention includes a first support unit supported on a first part of the body; a second support unit supported on a second part of the body; A compression unit connected to the first support unit and the second support unit and brought into face-to-face contact with the third part of the body.

Description

Device for evaluating spinal flexibility in patients with scoliosis {Device for evaluating spinal flexibility in patients with scoliosis}

The present invention relates to a device for evaluating the flexibility of the spine.

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity that occurs from sideways curvature of the spine in the coronal plane to rotational deformation of the spine in the transverse plane, and is caused by a complex action of genetic, biochemical, growth, and neuromuscular factors.

In the diagnosis of scoliosis, evaluation of the type, angle, degree of rotation, etc. of curvature through radiographic examination along with physical examination such as assessment of the height of both shoulders and asymmetry of the scapula are basic.

Korean Patent Registration No. 1863648 discloses a technique for measuring scoliosis using an infrared camera.

Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 1863648

An object of the present invention is to provide an evaluation device capable of evaluating the flexibility (or stiffness) of a scoliosis patient's spine.

The evaluation device of the present invention includes a first support unit supported on a first part of the body; a second support unit supported on a second part of the body; A compression unit connected to the first support unit and the second support unit and brought into face-to-face contact with the third part of the body.

The evaluation device of the present invention may be configured to apply a specific external force set to the patient in a three-point pressure method. The evaluation apparatus of the present invention may induce a patient (user) to take a set posture during the process of evaluating the flexibility of the spine.

The evaluation device of the present invention can evaluate spinal flexibility by quantitatively measuring the degree of scoliosis correction according to a specific external force.

The evaluation device of the present invention can directly and quantitatively evaluate the external force that causes deformation of scoliosis-derived spinal curvature, and has high reproducibility of flexibility photographs depending on the degree of side curvature and posture. In other words, if the evaluation device of the present invention is used, a quantified user's posture capable of measuring the flexibility of the user's spine curvature can be derived. Using an X-ray image taken in the corresponding posture, the flexibility of the user's spine can be accurately identified and analyzed.

As a result, when the evaluation device of the present invention is used, in evaluating the flexibility of the scoliosis patient's spine, it is possible to evaluate more quantitatively and objectively than conventional methods. Through this, objective indicators of scoliosis diagnosis and treatment can be presented.

This can be largely effective in three aspects, which include diagnosis and prognosis of scoliosis, orthosis treatment, and surgical treatment.

First, in the diagnosis of scoliosis, by measuring the flexibility of the curve more quantitatively and precisely than the existing method, it is possible to more objectively classify the scoliosis type and characteristics, and accordingly, the prognosis evaluation and treatment policy decision can be objectively implemented. There is an advantage to being

Second, when deciding on orthosis treatment, this evaluation device allows individual users to evaluate the degree of correction according to a specific pressure, so that the correction target and degree of pressure can be set more accurately than conventional methods, and can be used as an evaluation tool for the orthodontic power of the orthosis. there is.

Third, it is possible to increase the objectivity and accuracy of pre-surgical planning by using the quantified data evaluated by the inventive device in setting the fixed range and timing when deciding on surgical treatment, which can reduce unnecessary surgery and increase the effectiveness of surgery. There is an advantage to

1 is a schematic diagram showing an evaluation device of the present invention.
2 is a schematic diagram showing a back view of a user wearing an evaluation device.
3 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the evaluation device.
4 is a schematic diagram showing a pressing unit.
5 is a schematic diagram showing an operating state of the pressing unit.
Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a drive system of the pressing unit.
7 is a flowchart showing a method of applying the flexibility evaluation device of the present invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. And in order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted, and similar reference numerals are attached to similar parts throughout the specification.

In this specification, redundant descriptions of the same components are omitted.

In addition, in this specification, when a component is referred to as being 'connected' or 'connected' to another component, it may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component in the middle It should be understood that may exist. On the other hand, in this specification, when a component is referred to as 'directly connected' or 'directly connected' to another component, it should be understood that no other component exists in the middle.

In addition, terms used in this specification are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

Also, in this specification, a singular expression may include a plurality of expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In addition, in this specification, terms such as 'include' or 'having' are only intended to designate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and one or more It should be understood that the presence or addition of other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not precluded.

Also in this specification, the term 'and/or' includes a combination of a plurality of listed items or any item among a plurality of listed items. In this specification, 'A or B' may include 'A', 'B', or 'both A and B'.

Also, in this specification, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations that may obscure the subject matter of the present invention will be omitted.

In diagnosing patients with scoliosis and determining treatment policies, it is important to evaluate the flexibility of the curve as well as the size and shape of the curve induced by scoliosis. The evaluation of the flexibility of the curve plays an important role in determining the timing of surgery, the scope of fixation during surgery, and the evaluation of prognosis.

The existing flexibility evaluation method is a method of confirming the flexibility of scoliosis on a radiograph, and is mainly evaluated by taking a picture while the patient is lateral flexion. However, this method makes it impossible to directly and quantitatively evaluate the external force that causes the deformation of the curve, and the reproducibility of the flexibility picture is low depending on the degree of side bending and posture. The absence of such a quantitative and objective evaluation method may cause problems such as performing unnecessary surgery or selecting the wrong surgical range.

In addition, the absence of a quantitative criterion for flexibility may cause not only medical and economic problems but also safety problems for patients in the manufacture and maintenance of braces, which are important treatments for patients with scoliosis.

Most of the braces used recently adopt a method of individually manufacturing according to the patient's curvature, but in the process of selecting the target correction angle and manufacturing it accordingly, there is no experience due to the absence of objective indicators for flexibility and appropriate pressure. Correction and orthosis production through passive external force are performed in a way that depends on This not only lowers the corrective effect of the orthosis, but also causes side effects such as changes in lung function, reflux esophagitis, and skin ulcers due to improper pressure setting.

Therefore, there is a need for a means capable of accurately and objectively measuring the flexibility of the spine for scoliosis diagnosis, surgery, application of braces, and the like.

A practical evaluation of scoliosis can be performed by a medical staff who analyzes an image captured by a medical imaging means such as an X-ray. However, in order to evaluate the flexibility of the spine, a state in which the spine is maximally bent within a possible range needs to be photographed by a medical imaging means.

At this time, the objectivity of the posture of bending the spine is very important. If a posture required for evaluation of spinal flexibility is changed every time a medical imaging means is taken, an objective evaluation is impossible in reality. However, it is realistically difficult to identically reproduce a specific posture according to a condition of a user taking a specific posture or a medical staff inducing the specific posture. This means that the objectivity of spinal flexibility evaluation is lowered.

The evaluation device 1 of the present invention can be used to improve the objectivity of flexibility evaluation for the spine. The evaluation device 1 may guide the user to maintain a posture in which the spine is bent within a possible range. Accordingly, the evaluation device 1 may be referred to as a guide device for guiding a user's posture.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an evaluation device 1 of the present invention. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a back view of a user wearing the evaluation device 1 . 3 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the evaluation device 1. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the pressing unit 13. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the operating state of the pressing unit 13. As shown in FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the drive system of the pressing unit 13. As shown in FIG.

The evaluation device 1 shown in the drawing may include a first support unit 111, a second support unit 112, and a compression unit 13 applied to the same user.

The first support unit 111 may be supported on a first part of the body.

The second support unit 112 may be supported on a second part of the body.

The compression unit 13 is connected to the first support unit 111 and the second support unit 112, and may come into face-to-face contact with a third part of the body.

The appearance of the evaluation device 1 of the present invention may be similar to some braces for treating scoliosis. However, due to the difference in the purpose pursued, the method of applying force may be different in the present invention compared to the orthosis.

3(a) shows a state in which the third portion p3 is pulled using the first portion p1 and the second portion p2 as support points. This condition may correspond to the method taken by braces for the purpose of treating scoliosis.

3(b) shows a state in which the first portion p1 and the second portion p2 are pulled using the third portion p3 as a support point. This state may correspond to a method taken by the evaluation device 1 for the purpose of evaluating the flexibility of the spine. In other words, the compression unit 13 can pull the first support unit 111 supported on the first portion p1 or the second support unit 112 supported on the second portion p2 using the third portion p3 as a support point. there is. As a result, the first region p1 or the second region p2 can be pulled toward the third region.

In addition to this, the compression unit 13 may be disposed between the first part p1 and the second part p2 in the height direction of the body. According to this, the first portion p1 or the second portion p2 may represent a rotational movement around the third portion p3. A state in which the first region p1 or the second region p2 is rotated around the third region p3 may correspond to an evaluation posture for evaluating spinal flexibility. When entering the evaluation posture, the state of the spine may be captured by the medical imaging means. Using the spine state photographed in this way, the flexibility of the scoliosis patient's spine can be accurately evaluated by medical staff.

In addition, the evaluation device 1 of the present invention can operate in one of a compression mode, a release mode, and a stop mode, unlike an assistive device.

The compression mode may include an operation mode in which the pressure state of pulling the first support unit 111 or the second support unit 112 is gradually increased using the third portion p3 as a support point.

The release mode may include an operation mode that restores the compression state to an initial state by operating opposite to the compression mode.

In the stop mode, when a setting event occurs while operating in the compression mode, the compression mode and release mode are stopped, and the compression state performed at the time when the setting event occurs may be maintained for a set time.

For example, the first support unit 111 may be supported by one shoulder of the body.

The second support unit 112 may be supported by the hip or pelvis on one side of the body.

The compression unit 13 may pull the first support unit 111 toward the other side of the body while pushing the side of the other side of the body.

According to this embodiment, one shoulder of the body is rotated in a direction toward the other side of the body with the other side of the body as the center through the compression mode. One shoulder may rotate more and more due to a gradual increase in the pressing force of the compression unit 13 on the third portion corresponding to the compression state. At this time, the setting event may represent a case where one shoulder cannot physically rotate anymore. Alternatively, the setting event may indicate a state in which one shoulder cannot be rotated any more due to the user's complaint of pain.

When a setting event occurs, a stop mode may be performed. Through the stop mode, a state in which one shoulder is maximally rotated is maintained, and in this state, the spine may be photographed by an image capture unit. A time required for the spine to be photographed by the image photographing unit may correspond to the set time.

The compression unit 13 may operate in release mode when the set time elapses. Due to the release mode, the pressure applied to the third part may be released, and the force pulling the first support unit 111 or the second support unit 112 may also be released.

The first support unit 111 and the second support unit 112 may be disposed on one side of the body, and the compression unit 13 may be disposed on the other side of the body. At this time, the first connection portion 121 connecting the first support unit 111 and the compression unit 13 across the middle of the body, the second support unit 112 and the compression unit 13 across the center of the body A second connection portion 122 connecting the may be provided.

The first connection part 121 and the second connection part 122 may include an inelastic material.

The compression unit 13 may inelastically pull the first support unit 111 disposed on one side of the body in a direction toward the other side of the body by using the first connection part 121 . Alternatively, the compression unit 13 may inelastically pull the second support unit 112 disposed on one side of the body in a direction toward the other side of the body by using the second connection part 122 .

Due to the first connection part 121 and the second connection part 122 made of non-elastic material, the first support unit 111 or the second support unit 112 can be pulled by the distance pulled by the pressing unit 13. And, in this process, the first part or the second part of the body may be bent toward the third part.

When the center of curvature of the target spine region bent due to scoliosis exists on one side of the body, the compression unit 13 selects a third region facing the target spine region of the other side of the body opposite to one side of the body. While pushing toward one side of the body, it is possible to pull the first support unit 111 or the second support unit 112 disposed on one side of the body.

The curvature of the spine due to scoliosis may generally have a shape that curves to the right. In other words, the center of curvature of the target spinal region may be located on the left side of the body. In this case, the compression unit 13 may press the right side of the body. The first support unit 111 may be supported on the left shoulder, and the second support unit 112 may be supported on the left pelvis or left hip.

In order to bend the first region p1 or the second region p2 around the third region p3, the pressing unit 13 may press or push the third region p3 in a special manner.

For example, a pressing unit 132 and a body unit 131 may be provided in the pressing unit 13 .

The pressing unit 132 may extend along a first direction from one side of the body to the other side while making face-to-face contact with the third part p3. Specifically, the pressing part 132 may be formed in a bar shape extending along the first direction.

The body portion 131 may move in a first direction along the pressing portion 132 or may move in a direction opposite to the first direction.

The body part 131 may be connected to the first support unit 111 through the first connection part 121 and connected to the second support unit 112 through the second connection part 122 . Due to the first connection part 121, the distance between the first support unit 111 and the body part 131 may be maintained constant. Due to the second connection portion 122, the distance between the second support unit 112 and the body portion 131 may be maintained constant.

The body part 131 moving in the first direction along the pressing part 132 in face-to-face contact with the third part moves in the direction away from the third part and the first support unit 111 or the second support unit located on the opposite side of the body (112) can be pulled.

A measurement unit 134 may be provided in the evaluation device 1 to prevent injury to a user due to excessive pressure in the compression mode or to provide various information necessary for manufacturing an orthosis or performing surgery.

The measurement unit 134 may measure the pressure applied to the third region by the compression unit 13 . The measuring unit 134 may include a pressure sensor formed on one surface of the pressing unit 132 facing the third portion.

The compression unit 13 may automatically adjust the pressure applied to the third part according to the measurement result of the measuring unit 134 .

While the first support unit 111 and the second support unit 112 are pulled toward the third portion by the pressure applied to the third portion by the pressing unit 13, the first portion or the second support unit 112 is pulled toward the third portion. The second part can be moved forcibly. In this case, the compression unit 13 may measure and record the pressure applied to the third part in real time through the measuring unit 134 . The pressure recorded by the compression unit 13 can later be used to set the pressure of an assistive device that presses the third part toward the first part or the second part.

The evaluation apparatus of the present invention will be described in more detail.

An apparatus for evaluating spinal flexibility according to an embodiment of the present invention 1 includes a support unit 11, a connection unit 12, and a compression unit 13, and the compression unit 13 includes a body 131 and a pressure unit. It includes a unit 132, a control unit 133, a measurement unit 134, an output unit 135, and a power supply unit 136.

A plurality of support units 11 may be provided. For example, it consists of a first support unit 111 worn on the shoulder and a second support unit 112 worn on the hip, but the number of support units or Location may change. The support unit 11 may be made of a plastic material to minimize deformation due to an external force applied from the connection unit in order to improve measurement accuracy. In addition, the support unit 11 may be configured by additionally padding a material such as synthetic resin for effective fixation and pressure transfer. In addition, an anti-slip material may be additionally disposed on the contact area so that the contact portion can be firmly fixed without slipping while being fixed to the patient's body. In addition, a cushioning material may be additionally disposed on the contact area of the support unit 11 in order to partially alleviate the patient's discomfort caused by the pressure of the device. In addition, since measurement sensors such as a pressure sensor and a position sensor may be coupled to the support unit 11, it may be used as an auxiliary role in evaluating the pressure and inclination of the compression unit 13, which will be described later.

The first support unit 111 may be worn on the shoulder opposite to the compression unit 13 . For example, the first support unit 111 may be configured in the form of a cuff 21 and a fixing unit 22, and may be fixed to the shoulder through the fixing unit 22 according to the size and shape of the patient. The fixing means 22 is made of a material such as Velcro or a buckle and can be easily adjusted in size and fixed to the shoulder.

The first support unit 111 is firmly fixed to the first connection part 121 in the form of sewing or integral, and may be connected to the compression unit 13 through the first connection part 121 . Depending on circumstances, the first support unit 111 may include an auxiliary support unit fixed to the opposite shoulder or flank. Auxiliary measurement sensors including a pressure sensor for measuring pressure applied to the patient's shoulder or a position sensor for measuring relative position may be coupled to the first support unit 111 .

The second support unit 112 may be worn on the buttocks on the opposite side of the compression unit 13 . For example, the second support unit 112 may be configured in the form of a cuff 21 and a fixing unit 22, and may be fixed to the buttocks through the fixing unit 22 according to the size and shape of the patient. The fixing means 22 is made of a material such as Velcro or a buckle and can be easily adjusted in size and fixed. The second support unit 112 is firmly fixed to the second connection part 122 in the form of sewing or integral, and may be connected to the compression unit 13 . The second support unit 121 may include a pelvis support unit 23 fixed to the lower waist and pelvis on both sides and a thigh support unit 24 fixed to the thigh, and an additional auxiliary support unit may be included depending on the situation. there is. Second support unit 112 may be coupled with auxiliary measurement sensors including a pressure sensor for measuring pressure applied to the patient's buttocks or a position sensor for measuring relative position.

The connection unit 12 interconnects the plurality of support units 11 with the compression unit 13 to fix the compression unit to a desired position. The connection unit 12 may include a plurality of connection bands such as the first connection part 121 and the second connection part 122, so that the number of connection bands may be changed according to the number of support units 11. The connection unit 12 is made of an inelastic material to minimize the change in tension of the connection unit 12 due to external force when the compression unit 13 applies pressure, so that the relative position of the compression unit does not change. In addition, since it is expected that there will be many cases in which radiography should be performed after wearing the flexibility evaluation device 1 in the future, the connection unit 12, the first connection part 121, and the second connection part 122 are made of a radiotransparent material. It is desirable to configure

The connection unit 12 must be firmly fixed to the support unit 11, and for this purpose, it can be fixed through sewing or fixed through an integrated configuration, or can be configured in a detachable manner by including an additional fastening end 31. In addition, the connection unit 12 should be connected to the compression unit 13 and may be connected to the compression unit through the fastening end 31 formed in the compression unit 13. The fastening end 31 may be configured in the form of a buckle, button, Velcro, etc., but is not limited thereto and various modifications are possible. The connection unit 12 may include an adjusting unit 32 capable of changing the length of the first connection part 121 or the second connection part 122, and the length of each connection part can be adjusted so that the compression unit It is configured to adjust the fixing position of (13).

As shown in FIG. 2, when worn on a patient, the compression unit 13 is located in the side hump region closest to (close to) the top of the side of the side only confirmed through a preliminary examination such as radiography, and this position is controlled by the adjusting means 32 It can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the provided connection unit 12. After firmly fixing the compression unit 13 to the target position, as shown in FIG. 4, the pressure unit 132 applies external force in a direction away from the body unit 131 to apply pressure to the patient's side, At this time, the body portion 131 can effectively apply pressure by preventing it from being pushed outward from the existing position through the connection unit 12 of uniform tension. This may indicate that the body is bent in a form in which the third part on the other side of the body is pushed in and the first or second part on one side of the body is pulled so that the third part is concave.

The compression unit 13 is composed of an integral structure including a body part 131, a pressure part 132, a control part 133, a measurement part 134, an output part 135, and a power supply part 136.

The body portion 131 is fixed through the connection unit 12 and the fastening end 31, and an integral structure in which the structures 132 to 136 are located inside the body portion 131 may be formed. In addition, although it may be configured in a cylindrical shape as in the embodiment, it may take various forms depending on the convenience of use and configuration, such as a hemispherical shape.

The pressing unit 132 includes a pressing member 41 having a pressing surface for pressing a target portion and a support member 42 supporting the pressing member.

The compression member 41 is basically configured in a concave shape in order to efficiently apply pressure to the patient's curved hump, but members of various materials and shapes may be configured. Accordingly, a member suitable for the situation can be easily changed in a detachable manner in consideration of the size of each patient or the shape of each part according to the compression position, and an anti-slip pad or the like can be added for effective compression. In addition, the pressure member 41 may be configured such that the measuring unit 134 is located in a body contact surface area or member to measure the pressure applied to the patient and the angle of the external force in real time.

The support member 42 is connected to the control unit 133 and configured to transmit a driving force, and serves to transmit an external force in a direction pushing the pressing member 41 away from the body 131 so as to apply pressure. The support member 42 may be made of various materials and shapes according to the driving shape and configuration of the control unit 133 to be described later, and may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 5, for example. For example, the support member 42 may be formed in a hollow pipe shape extending along the first direction.

The control unit 133 serves to generate a driving force and transmit it to the pressing unit 132, and is configured to adjust the driving force according to a set external force based on information input from the measuring unit 134. The control unit 133 can be configured as a manual drive or an automatic drive, and can be designed in various forms according to each drive principle and method, and the structure and form are not limited as long as they do not deviate from the purpose and principle of the present invention. don't

In the case of manual operation, the pressure measured by the measurement unit 134 is displayed on the output unit 135 in real time, and based on this, the user or medical staff manually adjusts the pressure. For example, the adjusting unit 133 may have a gear structure that allows forward rotation and restricts reverse rotation by pushing the support member 42 toward the third region.

For example, a first rotation shaft and a second rotation shaft may be provided. A driving gear connected to a knob that can be turned by hand may be installed on the first rotational shaft. The second rotating shaft may be provided with a lock that is elastically inserted between the teeth of the driving gear. A catch resiliently sandwiched between teeth of the gear may limit reverse rotation of the drive gear. This appearance can be similar to the structure of a winder on a column that pulls a tennis net taut.

The driving force may be generated by a user directly rotating the knob, and the rotational force may be converted into a linear external force. In this case, in order to easily raise and maintain the external force, a method of restricting rotation in the other direction by configuring a one-way gear stopper and a plurality of side locking gear teeth to mesh at the same height when pressurized may be used. When the external force is removed, the height of the knob fixed at the same height as the side engaging gear can be changed so that the one-way gear stopper and the engaging gear can be adjusted to have different heights so that the opposite rotation is possible. In addition, an elastic twist structure may be added to the drive transmission unit 46 for quick removal of external force, which enables stability to be secured through quick removal of pressure when the patient complains of discomfort.

When the first rotational shaft rotates together with the driving gear, a male screw may be formed on an outer circumferential surface of an end of the first rotational shaft. When the support member 42 is formed in a hollow pipe shape, a female screw coupled to a male screw formed at an end portion of the first rotating shaft may be formed on an inner circumferential surface of the support member 42 . At this time, when the support member 42 is formed non-rotatably, the support member 42 may move along the first direction or the opposite direction by screw coupling.

In the case of automatic drive, it consists of an actuator that can automatically adjust the driving force based on the pressure measured by the measuring unit 134 and the set pressure. there is. The actuator may receive power from the integrated power supply unit 136 . For example, it is composed of an electric motor 47, a controller 48, and a power transmission member 46. The electric motor 47 is a thrust generator that converts electrical energy into rotational motion or direct linear motion energy, and the controller 48 adjusts the number of revolutions, speed, etc. of the motor 47 through real-time feedback to power transmission members ( 46), it is possible to adjust the external force transmitted to the pressing unit 132. In addition, considering the situation in which radiographs must be taken while wearing the present evaluation device, it is preferable to include a remote control means for allowing the user to control the controller 48 remotely.

The measuring unit 134 may be composed of a pressure sensor, an inclination sensor, a length sensor, and the like, and is mainly located in the compression unit 13, but as described above, it may also be added to the support unit 11 to use a plurality of sensors. can include The pressure sensor may be located on or inside the contact surface of the pressing member 41 of the pressing unit 132 to measure the pressure applied to the patient and transmit the measured value to the output unit 135 and the controller 48 . Various sensors such as an inclination sensor and a length sensor are located inside the compression unit 13 to measure the position and inclination of the compression unit 13 relative to the horizontal plane or the support unit 11 to evaluate the external force transfer direction, and to evaluate the direction of transmission of the external force. (132) can measure the length pushed away from the body portion (131).

The output unit 135 is located on the surface of the compression unit 13 and can output information on the measurement value measured by the measurement unit 134 and the currently set target pressure on the screen in the form of numbers or figures. When constructing the compression unit 13 through an automatic driving structure, a method of outputting the information displayed in the output unit 135 in conjunction with a remote terminal or a user's smartphone may also be included.

7 is a flowchart showing a method of applying the flexibility evaluation device of the present invention.

The application method of the flexibility evaluation device according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a foundation setting step (S510) and a measuring step (S520).

The base setting step (S 510) includes collecting image information and body information of the patient (S 511), setting a region and direction to apply pressure based on the collected patient information (S 512), patient's body information and A step of selecting the size and shape of the evaluation device according to the compression position (S513) and a step of wearing the evaluation device on the patient and fixing it to the compression position (S514).

The measuring step (S 520) includes setting a target pressure and actually applying pressure to the patient (S 521), measuring a scoliosis angle after performing the compression (S 522), and evaluating the flexibility of the spine based on the measurement of the scoliosis angle (S 522). (S 523) may be included.

In the measuring step (S520), the target pressure is raised step by step in the pressing step (S510), and pressurization, scoliosis measurement, and flexibility evaluation (T1 to T3) may be repeatedly performed.

The step of collecting the patient's image information and body information (S 511) may include a plurality of steps, and generally evaluates the scoliosis angle by measuring the Cobb's angle through an X-ray And information such as the shape of scoliosis can be obtained, and additional information such as the degree of rotation of the spine and the degree of lordosis of the thoracic and lumbar spine can be obtained. In addition, precise evaluation can be performed using various diagnostic equipment such as computed tomography and 3D scanners.

The step of determining the compression position through the collected information (S512) is a step of selecting a position where pressure is to be applied directly to the patient in consideration of the positions of the inflection point and the apex of the main curve based on the results of the radiographic examination. Considering future quantification, systematic index formation, and comparison with the existing flexibility evaluation method, it will be basic to configure the compression position mainly on the coronal plane, and the position is also constant considering the position and shape of the hump. It is desirable to configure it so that it does not deviate from the range. However, as described above, scoliosis shows three-dimensional deformation, and some may show various forms of scoliosis. It is possible to select a position, and selection of a plurality of compression positions may be additionally considered.

In the step of selecting the size and shape of the softness evaluation device 1 according to the compression position and body information (S513), the size of the cuff 31 of the support unit 11 can be selected according to the patient's body size, The shape and size of the pressing member 41 of the pressing unit 13 can be appropriately selected and installed.

In the step of wearing the flexibility evaluation device 1 on the patient and fixing it to the compression position (S514), after the cuff 21 is worn on the patient through the fixing means 22, the position of the compression unit 13 is targeted. In order to fix the pressure position, the position can be adjusted by correcting the length of each band through the adjustment means 32 of the connection unit 12. At this time, it is important to tighten the adjusting unit 32 so that the connection unit 12 is not loosened so that the position of the compression unit 13 is not pushed out when pressurized. In addition, after the primary fixation of the compression unit 13, the position of the device can be finely adjusted based on the pressure and inclination measured by the measurement unit 134, and the base state of the compression unit 13 is corrected before pressurization. have to go through the process

After the foundation setting step (S 510) is properly completed, the flexibility measurement step (S 520) is performed step by step, and the first target pressure setting and pressurization step (S 521) is the compression unit 13 This is a step of applying a target pressure to the patient by manipulating the controller 133. This step can be manually adjusted according to the drive type of the compression unit 13, and when configured in an automatic drive type, compression can be performed by setting only a target pressure and inputting it to the device. In this step, the patient's discomfort and pain should be checked every time with an emphasis on stability, and it is essential to consider safety by immediately removing external force or taking a break if necessary.

The step of measuring the scoliosis angle after the compression (S522) is a step of performing a front and back radiograph or 3D scan in a state in which the pressure is applied. It is important to keep the position of the patient's arm, breathing cycle, and jaw angle constant before and after pressurization during radiography for precise measurement and later objective flexibility evaluation. Anterior and posterior radiographs will be taken as the basic examination, but depending on the purpose, it can be applied to perform pre- and post-pressurization examinations in various postures such as the prone positoin or supine position.

The step of evaluating the flexibility of the spine based on the measurement of the scoliosis angle (S 523) is a step of evaluating the flexibility by comparing the scoliosis angle of the spine in a pre-pressurized state with the scoliosis angle after the pressure, and more specifically, the amount of change in the scoliosis angle and the scoliosis This is the stage of comparative analysis by quantifying the degree of shape change and rotation change. By performing the pressurization step (S 521) and the measurement step (S 522) step by step and repeatedly, the degree of change in the angle of view according to the specific pressure is systematically analyzed, and the pressure required for the maximum change is measured, based on which flexibility is improved. can be evaluated

To summarize the above explanation, the present invention is a device for evaluating the flexibility of the spine in patients with scoliosis, and it seems that it will be possible to provide a framework for presenting quantitative and objective evaluation by replacing the existing flexibility evaluation method. , which in turn will help improve the effectiveness of patient care.

In addition, it can be used as a means of quantitatively presenting the appropriate correction angle and the external force required for this in not only evaluating flexibility but also using off-the-shelf braces and smart correction devices being developed.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements of those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims are also provided. fall within the scope of the invention.

1 ... evaluation device 11 ... support unit
12...Connection unit 13...Pressure unit
21...cuff 22...fastening means
23 ... pelvic support 24 ... thigh support
31 ... fastening end 32 ... adjusting means
41 ... compression member 42 ... support member
46 ... power transmission member 47 ... electric motor
48 ... controller 111 ... first support unit
112... second support unit 121... first connection part
122 ... second connection portion 131 ... body portion
132 ... pressurization part 133 ... control part
134 ... measurement unit 135 ... output unit
136 ... power unit

Claims (12)

a first support unit supported on a first part of the body;
a second support unit supported on a second part of the body; and
A compression unit connected to the first support unit and the second support unit and in face-to-face contact with the third part of the body;
The compression unit is provided with a pressing part extending along a first direction from one side to the other side of the body while being in face-to-face contact with the third part and a body part moving along the pressing part,
The body portion is connected to the first support unit through a first connection portion and connected to the second support unit through a second connection portion;
The body part moving in the first direction along the pressurizing part in face-to-face contact with the third part moves in a direction away from the third part and grabs the first support unit or the second support unit located on the opposite side of the body. Pulling evaluation device.
According to claim 1,
wherein the compression unit pulls the first support unit or the second support unit using the third portion as a support point.
According to claim 2,
The evaluation device of claim 1 , wherein the compression unit is disposed between the first portion and the second portion in a height direction of the body.
According to claim 1,
The compression unit operates in one of a compression mode, a release mode, and a stop mode;
The compression mode is an operation mode in which a compression state of pulling the first support unit or the second support unit is gradually increased using the third portion as a support point,
The release mode is an operation mode in which the compression state is restored to an initial state through an operation opposite to the compression mode,
In the stop mode, when a setting event occurs while the compression mode is operated, the compression mode and the release mode are stopped, and a compression state performed at the time when the setting event occurs is maintained for a set time.
According to claim 4,
The compression unit operates in the release mode when the set time elapses.
According to claim 1,
The first support unit and the second support unit are disposed on one side of the body,
The compression unit is disposed on the other side of the body,
A first connection portion connecting the first support unit and the compression unit across the center of the body, and a second connection portion connecting the second support unit and the compression unit across the center of the body are provided;
The first connection part and the second connection part include an inelastic material,
The compression unit inelastically pulls the first support unit disposed on one side of the body in a direction toward the other side of the body using the first connection part, or using the second connection part to pull the first support unit disposed on one side of the body in a direction toward the other side of the body. An evaluation device that inelastically pulls the second support unit disposed on the body in a direction toward the other side of the body.
According to claim 1,
The first support unit is supported on one shoulder of the body,
The second support unit is supported on the hip or pelvis on one side of the body,
The evaluation device of claim 1 , wherein the compression unit pulls the first support unit toward the other side of the body while pushing the side of the other side of the body.
According to claim 1,
When the center of curvature of the target spine region bent due to scoliosis exists on one side of the body,
The compression unit pushes the third part facing the target spine part of the side of the other side of the body opposite to one side of the body toward one side of the body, while the first support unit disposed on one side of the body or an evaluation device that pulls out the second support unit.
delete a first support unit supported on a first part of the body;
a second support unit supported on a second part of the body; and
A compression unit connected to the first support unit and the second support unit and in face-to-face contact with the third part of the body;
A measuring unit is provided to measure the pressure applied to the third region by the compression unit;
The compression unit automatically adjusts the pressure applied to the third part according to the measurement result of the measuring unit.
According to claim 1,
While the first support unit and the second support unit are pulled toward the third portion by the pressure applied to the third portion by the pressing unit, the first portion or the third portion toward the third portion. 2 parts are forced to move,
The compression unit records the pressure applied to the third part in real time.
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