title: Analysis of the corrective forces exerted by a dynamic derotation brace (DDB).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Discrepancies exist in the current literature for bracing of spinal curvature conditions. This can be explained by the diversity of brace types, the different curve patterns and the various measurement methods and instruments.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was the analysis of the corrective forces exerted by a dynamic derotation brace (DDB), at the skin-brace interface, altering the strap tension and body posture.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analysed the direct forces exerted by a DDB's main pad, on 44 (38 girls, 6 boys) idiopathic scoliotic patients. Twenty-seven patients had a single right thoracic and 17 a single left or right thoracolumbar curve.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used the F-Socket 9801 pressure sensor and the MatScan Research BETA STAM 6.30 software, while patients adopted nine different postures. The patients were divided into three different groups: those who wore the brace for the first time, those who were changing their brace for a new one, and those who were having adjustments made to their existing brace.
  
  
  RESULTS
  These patients who were having adjustments made to their existing brace caused the highest mean exerted force. Changes in strap tension and body posture resulted in statistically significant alterations of the interface pressure and the forces exerted on the patient's body.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tightening the brace's straps always produces a significant force increase, independent of the body posture and the curve type. Also there are some body postures which significantly modify the exerted force. The body posture of maximum inspiration for thoracolumbar curves and, additionally, prone and lying left for thoracic curves.
authors.affiliation: National and Capodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece. yloukos@yahoo.gr
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Loukos
authors.forename: Constantinos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zachariou
authors.forename: Christos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nicolopoulos
authors.forename: Dimitrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Korres
authors.forename: Nicolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Efstathopoulos
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001915:Braces; D002648:Child; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000002:abnormalities; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000628:therapy*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000002:abnormalities; D016896:Treatment Outcome