Effect of the Use of a 3D Scanner Application on a Smartphone to Mold Garchois Orthotic Device in Neuromuscular Diseases Patients With Scoliosis

Neuromuscular scoliosis is the consequence of general hypotonia involved in certain neuromuscular diseases. Thoracic braces are necessary to slow down the deformation. In France, Garchois brace is largely used in this context because of a better pulmonary tolerance.

Historically, molding of thoracic orthotic brace was based on a plaster cast directly on the patient. He/she is suspended in a frame or is lying on an examining table, and is held by 4 therapists (a physician, an orthoprosthesist, a nurse and a doctor). The position during molding could be very uncomfortable and anxious.

With the development of new technologies, a 3D scan application on smartphone to obtain the volume and deformations of the patient was developed. This tool enables digital acquisition of trunk and head volume while bypassing the seated patient. No plaster strips are used. The resulting negative is digitally filled to obtain a positive. The positive is then corrected before the corset is made, either digitally or after 3D scanning, in plaster or foam. This application was first used in our department in 2017.

The aim of this retrospective monocentric study is to show that this application can be used to produce brace that are as corrective and reliable as braces made after plaster casting, while improving the satisfaction of children, their families and professionals during impression taking. as their parents and of the professionals present during the molding.