Student proposes method to treat scoliosis

Thesis published in Journal of Applied Biomedicine

By Jhoo Dong-chan

Heo Hyun-mu

Heo Hyun-mu, 25, a student majoring in bio-mechatronic engineering at Sungkyunkwan University, has had a study posted in the online edition of the Journal of Applied Biomedicine.

A journal staffer said Tuesday that it decided to publish Heo’s thesis, “Estimation of the spinal twisting angle using inertial measurement units during rod derotation surgery in idiopathic scoliosis patients.”

Published quarterly by the University of South Bohemia, the journal is a peer-reviewed medical publication that covers various fundamental biomedical researches.

In his thesis, Heo proposes a method to measure the twisting angle of a rod during spinal correction surgery in real-time without performing an alignment procedure by using six-axis algorithm data.

Professor Mun Joung-hwan, Heo’s thesis advisor, believes the study will contribute in the treatment of scoliosis patients.

“Heo’s study suggests a systematic solution by using a computer inertial sensor for scoliosis treatment,” said Mun.

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine, which is either congenital or caused by trauma or disease. Idiopathic scoliosis, especially, has become one of the most frequently occurring spinal deformities that occurs between the ages of 10 and 18, said Dr. Kim Sang-hyuk, director of the spine center at Bumin Hospital Seoul.

Traditionally, the most widespread treatment for scoliosis was wearing a brace, or undergoing surgery if the angle of spinal deformity was greater than 45 degree.

The success rate of spinal correction surgery is expected to be increased if Heo’s study is applied clinically, Mun said.

Two other theses, which Heo submitted to other journals, are under evaluation. And he is expected to enter the college of biotechnology and bioengineering at Sungkyunkwan to study for a master’s degree.

“I will keep on studying scoliosis measurement to help more scoliosis patients,” said Heo.