{"id":111352,"date":"2023-04-27T15:34:41","date_gmt":"2023-04-27T19:34:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hajim.rochester.edu\/senior-design-day\/?p=111352"},"modified":"2024-03-01T15:26:14","modified_gmt":"2024-03-01T19:26:14","slug":"skolio-mount","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hajim.rochester.edu\/senior-design-day\/skolio-mount\/","title":{"rendered":"SKOLIO MOUNT"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Simplify scoliosis is a medical manufacturing company dedicated to improving the lives of patients with scoliosis by providing them the best care possible. Our device, Skolio Mount, is a fully mechanical structure that can be used to screen for scoliosis in areas with low resources upon. It can be used by anyone who is literate as long as they obtain our certification. Along with the device and certification, our system also includes an educational program to raise awareness of scoliosis.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our Team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Left: Reshul Narhari (M.S. Biomedical Engineering) and Right: Stella Nantale (M.S. Biomedical Engineering)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Background<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature and rotation of the spine. There is a 2-3% prevalence worldwide. In Ghana, 138000 to 207000 adolescents may be affected by using this statistic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Figure 1: Visible features of scoliosis on the trunk of a patient.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Problem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In Ghana 138000 to 207000 adolescents may be affected. More severe cases seen in low resource settings due to: (1) lack of health care, (2) lack of awareness\/education, (3) lack of screening programs, and (4) lack of affordable technology. This leads to undiagnosed scoliosis and disease progression which causes: (1) cardiopulmonary issues and pain, (2) increased cost of treatment, and (3) poor quality of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Biodesign Statement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A way to screen for the presence of scoliosis in adolescents to aid in determining an optimal treatment plan to minimize future complications and cost of care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current Screening Methods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Adam’s forward bending test (AFBT):<\/strong> Patient bends forward at the waist while the examiner observes the spine from behind. Widely used but has a high false-negative rate. Not a definitive diagnostic tool, and evaluation by a trained medical professional is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Figure 2: Depiction of the standing assessment and Adam’s Forward Bending test done to screen for scoliosis<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scoliometer:<\/strong> handheld device used to measure the angle of trunk rotation (ATR). It is placed on the patient’s back, and examiner reads the measurement. Often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, to monitor and make treatment plans. Accuracy of measurement is affected by examiner\u2019s technique and the patient\u2019s body position, and so should be used by a trained medical professional. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Figure 3: The use of a scoliometer to determine trunk rotation.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our Solution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our solution is a fully-mechanical and low cost-device that can be used by\u00a0anyone regardless of literacy level that indicates abnormal trunk\u00a0curvature by measuring pelvic tilt and shoulder asymmetry.\u00a0\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Figure 4: Competitive advantage of our product over the current screening methods.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Testing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We conducted a Gage R&R analysis to determine whether the results from our device are repeatable by the same screener, and reproducible across screeners. We found that it was reproducible but not repeatable. To increase the repeatability, we would need to add markers on the 4 landmarks of the patient prior to putting the device on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Figure 5: Summary of our Gage R&R testing data.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to use Skolio Mount<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Ask patient to stand with feet slightly apart.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Position the top two extrudes  on the \u200bhighest peak of each of the shoulders.\u200b\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Position the bottom two extrudes on each side of the hips of the patient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Ensure the middle rod is vertical.\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Determine the reading on the top and bottom inclinometers and determine whether the rods are in the green region (no action necessary) or red region (suggest visit to orthopedics)\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Figure 6: A demonstration of how to use Skolio Mount. Note: this is an old prototype that was not stable so needed an additional set of hand to hold, thus, the patient is not standing correctly.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Figure 7: Sketch of the final prototype which includes expandable bars for different patient anatomies, inclinometers for angular readings, and color scales to determine risk level.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Certification and Education<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our system includes a certification and education program along with the device itself to offer communities in low resource areas an opportunity to raise awareness on scoliosis, learn about Skolio Mount, and implement a screening program as they see fit for their needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certification \u200b<\/strong>\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n