Scoliosis in Fredericksburg
Scoliosis Management
Scoliosis is more than just a curvature of the spine. At Infinite Technologies Orthotics and Prosthetics, our clinicians are highly trained in the management of this often complex diagnosis. We not only understand the ins and outs of this diagnosis physically, but we understand the mental and emotional stress that it can put on kids and teenagers. You can rest assured that we will not only address the diagnosis, but we will get to know your child and what makes him/her unique! We treat each child as an individual and want them to feel like they are part of our clinical family throughout their length of treatment. We will help you and your child understand the diagnosis, importance of compliant wear of his/her device and how this can affect them long term.
Our team of clinicians is trained in various the various styles of bracing that will help to treat your child’s individual curve. We work closely with your child’s physician to determine the best brace choice and design that will manage the curvature as effectively as possible. Below you will find some frequently asked questions regarding this condition, but we always encourage you to reach out and speak to one of our clinicians regarding this diagnosis and treatment.
Scoliosis Management: Information for Parents and Guardians
Frequently Asked Questions
The term Scoliosis refers to an abnormal curvature of the spine. It is referred to as idiopathic because there is no known cause for this condition. There is some research that this condition is hereditary. Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that can be present as early as toddler years. It is diagnosed through a physical exam and x-rays. The spine tends to present with an “S” or a “C” shape and can span the entire spine or just a portion of the spine.
If your child’s pediatrician suspects scoliosis, they will often refer you to an orthopedic specialist to confirm. There are a few ways to manage scoliosis based on the magnitude of the curve. If the curve measures less than 25 degrees of magnitude, it is typically monitored via x-ray every few months to check for progression. Should the curve exceed 25 degrees a scoliosis TLSO will typically be recommended. If curves reach 45-50 degrees they can be braced, but surgery might be recommended. This is a major step that will be made after consulting with your orthopedist. Not all patients with this degree of curvature will need to undergo surgery.
There is no cure for scoliosis. The goal of scoliosis management is to halt curve progression as your child continues to grow. Scoliosis bracing has evolved significantly over the last 30 years. With customized bracing and compliant wear we are seeing great results. In some cases, we have seen small lasting improvement to curve magnitude.
Yes, a medical prescription is necessary for device fabrication. In addition, you will need a copy of your child’s most recent x-ray that is no more than 6 months old. Both are required for device fabrication.
Typically bracing will begin during adolescence, but it can begin much earlier in childhood and continues until your child reaches skeletal maturity.
Adjustments can be made to increase comfort and compliance but typically cannot be made for growth. Usually after 12-18 months a new device may need to be fabricated to account for growth and natural body development. Your clinician will monitor the brace fit at each visit and determine when a new device is needed. This will also be based on follow-up x-rays and agreement from your child’s orthopedic doctor that a new device is necessary based on how much growth is left for your child.
We will see you often in the first few months and will schedule regular follow-ups with you and any adjustments in between as needed. All follow-up appointments will be scheduled with the timing of your doctor’s visits in mind when you get follow-up x-rays to monitor curve progression. These follow-up appointments are crucial to successful and effective brace treatment.
Each doctor has a specific wearing protocol. We suggest 18-22 hours daily for the most effective treatment. However, this is dependent on the extent of the curve and age of the patient. You are able to remove your brace to play sports, participate in gym class and do other activities such as swimming and horseback riding. There are instances (patient, doctor and curve specific) where a nighttime brace is appropriate.
Boston Style TLSO:
This is the most commonly used device for idopathic scoliosis. These devices are:
- Plastic and worn anywhere from 16-22 hours day under clothing
- Used to keep curves from progressing with carefully positioned padding
- Made from measurements and scans.
Providence Nighttime TLSO:
This item is only worn at night when the patient is sleeping. It pushes the child’s body with precisely placed padding to straighten the spine. This device is:
- Plastic and worn during the evening and at night
- Mostly used for single curves, but can be effective for multiple curves
- Made using scans and measurements
Custom TLSO:
This device is usually worn after surgery or by patients with neuromuscular scoliosis. It is foam with a plastic frame and is more flexible that other devices. This device is:
- Plastic and foam and worn during the day while sitting or upright
- Not considered a definitive treatment for idiopathic scoliosis
- Made from measurements, scans or casts
Rigo Cheneau TLSO:
A slightly more complex designed TLSO that aims to facilitate curve correction through bringing the trunk and spine into the best possible postural corrected alignment through derotational forces. This devices is:
- Plastic and worn anywhere from 16-22 hours/day under clothing
- Uses a combination of forces applied to the trunk surface by specifically designed pads, facilitated by expansion or escaping spaces to allow for curve derotation.
- Made from 3D scanning and measurements
