An eight-year-old boy from Ayrshire, Harley Travers, who has been living with a rare spinal condition known as Scoliosis, has had his life transformed thanks to innovative medical intervention involving a 3D scanner. Diagnosed with the spinal curvature condition at the tender age of four, Harley has been required to wear a specially crafted back brace for more than half of his young life.
Traditionally, Harley visited the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow two to three times a year to undergo the process of being ‘cast’ for new braces as he grew. This process involved him having to lie still on a frame for up to an hour while a plaster cast was applied to his body, a challenging and uncomfortable experience for any child, especially one like Harley who has sensory issues.
However, during Harley’s recent appointment at the hospital, his mother, Pamela Quinn, was introduced to a new approach – a 3D scanner. The Orthotics Team at the hospital had been exploring alternatives to the manual casting method and adopted the use of a 3D scanner. This cutting-edge technology allows Harley to simply stand in one place for less than a minute while the Orthotist walks around him with an iPad, capturing accurate measurements and creating a bespoke fit for his back brace.
Pamela expressed her delight at the positive change this new method has brought to Harley’s medical care, noting that it is faster, non-invasive, and provides a more comfortable and precise fit for her son. The Orthotics Department was able to acquire the 3D scanner through fundraising efforts by the team, including events, raffles, and sponsored activities, raising the necessary £2,000.
Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve sideways, often taking on an S or C shape. While it can affect individuals of any age, it is most common among children aged between ten and 15. If not treated, Scoliosis can lead to chronic pain and respiratory issues. One of the main treatments involves wearing custom-made back braces for extended periods each day.
The Orthotics Team at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow plays a crucial role in measuring, crafting, and managing these braces for children like Harley. Mhari Johnson, a Paediatric Orthotist at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, commended the team for their dedication and expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the fundraising efforts that enabled the purchase of the 3D scanner.
The introduction of the 3D scanner has indeed made a significant difference in the comfort and well-being of young patients like Harley, showcasing the tangible impact of advancements in medical technology on improving healthcare services for children and their families.