Tomasz Bugajski, PhD Candidate, Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary

Tomasz’s Master’s thesis was focused on the Calgary Protocol for the Treatment of Pectus Carinatum, developed by Dr. David S. Sigalet, General Surgery Clinic at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. This method of clinical orthotic treatment was developed in association with Marc Schneider at Braceworks.

His research involved the development of a measurement system to measure compressive forces provided by the Braceworks pectus carinatum brace. This work provided the basis in creating an improved measurement system to provide the clinician and user with instantaneous force measurements. The end goal is to advance the Calgary Protocol and efficacy of the pectus carinatum brace.

Currently, Tomasz has started his PhD in the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program at the University of Calgary. His project seeks to develop new measurements in describing knee joint stability using a novel Dual Fluoroscopy system that can record video of bone movement via x-rays.

Bracing for Pectus Carinatum: A Quantitative Analysis, June 2017

Pectus Carinatum (PC) presents as an overgrowth of costal cartilages resulting in a sternal protrusion. Treatment of PC is performed with a pectus carinatum orthosis (PCO) that compresses the protrusion. Injuries may arise when this PCO is over-tightened. For the first time, a force measurement system (FMS) was constructed that measured PCO forces.

The purpose of this study was to determine if participants could accurately attain their clinically prescribed force (CF) over time, and if the protrusion stiffness (PS) influences the participant-applied forces (PF) and correction rate (CR). Results demonstrated that most PFs (75%) exceeded their associated CF (0.46-5.01 lbs).

Further investigation is required to determine clinical significance. PS had a positive relationship with PF, but no relationship with CR. Future studies focusing on improved displacement measurements would enhance the ability to quantify PS. Developing a FMS to provide real-time feedback should also be considered to improve PCO efficacy.