Spinal Deformity and Brace Treatment

Brace Treatment for Spinal Deformity

Brace treatment (orthosis) is recommended for increasing scoliosis or kyphosis in the skeletally immature patient. Bracing (back brace) is recommended for moderate scoliosis or abnormal kyphosis. There are many types of braces, all designed to prevent curves from increasing as the adolescent grows. The orthosis acts as a buttress for the spine to prevent the curve fromincreasing during active skeletal growth. Braces will not make the spine straight, and cannot always keep a curve from increasing. However, bracing is effective in halting curve progression in a significant percentage of skeletally immature adolescents.

What Does Successful
Brace Treatment Require?

1. Early detection while the patient is still growing.
2. Mild to moderate curvature.
3. Regular examination by the orthopaedic surgeon.
4. A well-fitted brace.
5. A cooperative patient and supportive family.
6. Maintenance of normal activities, including exercise, dance training, and athletics, with elective time out of the brace for these activities as supervised by the physician.