Scolioscan - 3D Ultrasound Scoliosis Assessment System

Overview

This is a radiation-free system for scoliosis evaluation based on 3D ultrasound imaging techniques, which is more cost-effective than prevailing technologies. This system can facilitate mass screening and frequent follow-up monitoring for scoliosis. Clinical trials have proven the novel technology to be very reliable, with accuracy of curve measurement comparable to X-ray assessment.

  • Scolioscan - 3D Ultrasound Scoliosis Assessment System 0
  • Scolioscan - 3D Ultrasound Scoliosis Assessment System 1
  • Scolioscan - 3D Ultrasound Scoliosis Assessment System 2
Commercialisation opportunities
Collaboration for technology development in various application segments, Product distribution
Problem addressed

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity among children. X-ray is the most widely used method for assessment of scoliosis, but cannot be used frequently due to the radiation hazards. There is a publication showing overall cancer rate in patients with scoliosis treated 25 years was about five times higher than that in the age-matched population.

Innovation
  • Radiation-free Scoliosis Assessment using 3D Ultrasound
  • Scolioscan Air - Portable 3D Ultrasound Scoliosis Assessment System
Key impact
  • This system can provide a safer modality for scoliosis assessment using 3D ultrasound
  • This system can allow scan at anytime, anywhere by anyone
  • This system can obtain image in any postures, provide vertebra rotation and muscle-related information
  • This system can form a 3D spinal model for the three-dimensional analysis of deformity of spine
Award
  • Mau Award for the Best Educational, Gold Medal at the 40th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva (2012)
  • Champion and Audience Favourite Award at 2nd Hong Kong Innovation Day and Hong Kong Innovation Award Competition, Hong Kong (2015)
  • Equipment and Machinery Design Award 2015 Hong Kong Awards for Industries, Hong Kong (2015)
  • Most Promising Idea Award Global Healthcare Innovation Academy, Canada (2016)
  • Grand Award, Gold Medal with the Congratulations of Jury, and Special Merit Award at the 47th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, Switzerland (2019)
  • Third Prize at the 8th China Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, China (2019)
  • Technological Achievement Award 2019 Hong Kong Awards for Industries, Hong Kong (2019)
  • Gold Medal at 2nd Asia Exhibition of Inventions Hong Kong (2019)
Application
  • This system can provide accurate mass screening on scoliosis
  • This system can allow frequent follow-up and facilitate intervention planning
  • This system can provide timely outcome measurement for treatment, and real time feedback during non-surgical treatment
  • This system can provide reliable progression monitoring
  • This system has potential for prediction of progression risk (research ongoing)

Patent

  • Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging system for assessing scoliosis (patent issued in China, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Europe)
  • Three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging system (patent issued in China, Hong Kong, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Europe)
  • Medical imaging system with mechanical arm (patent issued in China, Canada, Europe, Australia, filed in USA)
  • Imaging method and device (patent issued in China, USA, Canada, Australia, filed in Europe)
  • A kind of palm formula three-dimension ultrasonic imaging system and method (patent issued in China and Hong Kong, filed in USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Europe)
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

With over 80 years of proud tradition and ranking among the world’s top 100 institutions, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) aspires to be a leading university with world-class research and education.

PolyU is a home for educating thinkers, discoverers, innovators and communicators in delivering positive impact. We are committed to nurturing tomorrow’s leaders today, through a holistic education that provides graduates unrivaled placements to thrive in communities, industries and businesses.

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