The corrective brace UZOR was developed by the scientific and technical company OrtoLine (Novosibirsk). By design, the brace belongs to the class of semi-rigid braces. The brace is based on a rigid force frame on the back and soft force straps for forming a correction scheme and setting the load forces on the torso.
The straps extend from one side of the frame along separate paths, cover the torso and close on the other side of the frame. The load on the torso is adjusted by changing the length of the straps and, accordingly, the amount of belt tension. The side straps on the right create a force pressing on the top of the deformation through the corresponding ribs. The belt crossing the left side from above creates a force pressing on the upper base of the deformation. The lower base of the deformity, as a rule, falls into the zone of soft tissues — the abdominal area, therefore there is no support platform in this zone. Instead, the support in this case is the left side of the pelvic girdle, on which the left edge of the belt of the brace frame rests. The load in the sagittal plane is created by the diagonal straps and the sternal bridge. The frame is tightly pressed against the hips with a special belt.
The product strictly complies with the principles of an effective brace and design requirements:
- it is made individually and takes into account the features of spinal deformity, anthropometric parameters of the torso, age characteristics, etc.
- implements the principle of torso correction simultaneously in 3 planes – frontal, sagittal and horizontal (derotation),
- has controls for the level of torso loading in a wide range of values, is capable of modification during brace therapy.
The design of the brace is made in such a way that it has minimal contact with the body surface, low weight (0.8-1.5 kg) and optimal performance in the range of 11-13 cm of the child’s height.
Despite the apparent accumulation of force elements – straps, children, even at the youngest age, easily put on and take off this brace in a matter of seconds. They feel absolutely comfortable in a brace, not only during the day, but also during sleep. A ring with guy rods at opposite ends of the frame around the breast is a structural element that allows you to trace the force flow in the area of the breast without physical contact with it. The possibility of localization of pressure on the rib in the breast horizon significantly increases the effectiveness of the brace’s force scheme.
The UZOR brace minimally restricts the child’s movements, leaving the opportunity to study in a sitting position at a desk and lead a habitual lifestyle, taking into account the restrictions required for this disease. The brace is removed only for hygienic procedures and physical therapy, if this is provided by the method of the exercise complex. The aesthetic component of the brace is quite acceptable – it is completely hidden under outerwear and only the shoulder crossbar of the frame is slightly raised above the shoulders. However, it is always possible to hide this flaw either with the girls’ own hair or with expertly chosen clothes, such as sewn hangers or a blouse hood.
Perhaps the most important factor is the potential effectiveness of deformation correction. We are proud to note that our brace has no competitors in this feature. The explanation here is simple: the product design was developed taking into account the results of mathematical (finite element) modeling of correction processes by top-level specialists in the field of mechanics with the participation of orthopedists. To date, about two thousand braces have been manufactured, and we had the opportunity to fairly objectively evaluate the effectiveness of the device and the operational properties of the product.
The design features of the UZOR brace create conditions for solving a number of tasks, including:
- effective correction of the scoliotic component simultaneously with a decrease in rotation;
- effective reduction (elimination) of rib deformity – improvement of the cosmetic appearance of the back;
- effective correction of the kyphotic component of the deformity simultaneously with the normalization of lumbar lordosis;
- effective correction of the keeled deformity of the sternum.
