A Feasibility Study of an MRI-Guided Flexible Spinal Bracing System for Short-Term Scoliosis Correction

Providing a reliable and efficient bracing strategy for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) in clinical practice requires direct visualization of spinal correction and an adaptable method to fit diverse body shapes, which is challenging with conventional radiograph-based approaches. This study presents an MRI-compatible dynamic support system that integrates hydrogelcoated pneumatic padding with a flexible spinal brace, using a series of fast MRI scans to guide and quantify AIS correction. The system enables efficient, feedback-driven adjustment of corrective pressure and provides corrected body shape reconstruction, allowing for quantitative assessment of spinal alignment and flexibility during correction. In a feasibility cohort of five AIS participants (Cobb angle 13°-21.7°) and varying skeletal maturity (Risser sign 0-4), the supine MRI protocol achieved consistent Cobb angle reductions for all subjects with gradually increased pressure, reaching up to 14 kPa. Up to eight MRI-based assessments were completed within 16 minutes, and the entire scanning process was completed within 30 minutes. The average Cobb angle reduction was 10.2° (70.1% correction) in the thoracic region and 11.6° (60.8% correction) in the thoracolumbar region. A corrected torso model was reconstructed from high-resolution 3D T2 MRI and used to fabricate a rigid brace. These findings support the technical feasibility, workflow efficiency, and short-term corrective effect of the proposed system. Long-term treatment efficacy remains to be evaluated in future weight-bearing and comparative studies.