The Boston Brace and TriaC Systems
By Wynne, James H.; Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 130-135Publication Date: May 2008
Article describes the design and fitting of two brace systems for the conservative treatment of idiopathic scoliosis, the Boston Brace and the TriaC. The teamwork process of fitting the symmetry-based Boston Brace system is discussed, including the initial drawing of a center sacral line onto the patient X-ray, the production of a symmetrical form matching the patient’s measurements, the subsequent adjustments of the orthotic, and the role of an individually designed physical-therapy regimen in the maintenance of the sagittal contours. The 3 types of Boston Brace, Lumbar, Thoracolumbar, and Thoracic, are outlined, and the role of the patient as well as the blueprint in the choice of brace is discussed. Also discussed is the TriaC orthosis, which is composed of a thoracic part, a lumbar part, and a flexible coupling connecting them. The role of correction forces, based in Newtonian physics of an action equal to an opposite reaction, in both orthotics is discussed. Finally, the use of an in-brace X-ray for assessing patient wear of the orthosis and making adjustments to prevent curve progression is described, as is the development of a user-friendly and manageable patient wear schedule.
Published by: Taylor & Francis, Limited (Website:http://taylorandfrancis.org)
International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (Web Site: http://www.isprm.org )
This publication is included in the library of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC), accession number J55301
