EXTERNAL BRACES

The use of composites for bracing devices will result in weight reduction and improved durability, plus increased control in the levels of material flexion and tension that may be desirable over the duration of the bracing procedure.
Smart technology could also be utilized by sensor embedding within the composite. Information relayed to a hand-held sensor operated by the health care professional may include:

• Directional loading force applied to the device. This would confirm the correct function of the brace and would ensure patient compliance during partial weight-bearing physical therapy. Advanced versions would be useful to professional athletes during rehabilitation, and would monitor excess forces experienced during contact sports.
• Gradual force application. Correcting kyphosis by bracing requires the application of a variety of forces during different daily activities, and current bracing has adverse effects upon patient sleeping patterns, which results in poor compliance. A self adjusting brace, that detects force exerted upon the device and responds by adjusting the stiffness, would provide the patient with a more effective treatment while allowing a less regimented confinement during use.