Towards digitally designed, 3D printed, spinal orthoses for adolescents with scoliosis

My decision to apply for the "Towards digitally designed, 3D printed, spinal orthoses for
adolescents with scoliosis" PhD programme solidified when Dr Nicolas Newell explained the
details. I gained insights into the cutting-edge research at the Center for Doctoral Training
(CDT) in Prosthetics and Orthotics. Concerning this PhD programme, the Principle Component Analysis (PCA) and K-means
clustering are two essential requirements for determining smart templates and defining a digital workflow. However, in the spinal orthosis approach, the main goal is just enough
efficiency, not over-treatment and too much burden on the patient. First, the spinal flexibility
should be calculated using the spinal flexibility index and bending relative to standing index
(BRSI) equation. Then, the spinal orthotist needs to hold the patient's body in the Maximum
Tolerance Corrected Posture (MTCP), record the measurements, and take the 3D scans in
both MTCP and normal positions. After designing the brace, biomechanical analyses should
be performed to optimise the design with respect to the MTCP limit. Then with the help of
classified validated morphologies, machine learning will be a way to reach the goal of a
"Reliable Digital Workflow".