Scoliosis is a condition of the skeletal system in which one or more lateral curves are present in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar region of the spine. The majority of cases of scoliosis are diagnosed in adolescents, although it may affect individuals in all age groups. Left untreated, scoliosis can cause problems with movement, balance and musculature and can even impede the functioning of organs such as the heart and lungs. The most common form of treatment is the use of the orthopedic brace.
Purpose
The purpose of a brace is to arrest the curvature and hopefully stop it from progressing any further as the child continues to grow. Bracing does not generally correct existing curvatures to any great degree. In some cases, a brace is used as a temporary measure to stop scoliosis from worsening until surgical intervention can be undertaken, which is generally after most bone growth has stopped.
Treatment
Patients wear the orthopedic back brace for anywhere from one to five years. It is most often used in adolescent patients. After a patient is diagnosed by an orthopedist, he is sent to a brace fitting specialist who custom-fits a brace to the patient's size and specific spinal curvatures. Throughout treatment, the patient sees both the orthopedist and the brace-fitting specialist on a regular basis for follow up X-rays, monitoring and brace refitting or adjustments.
Milwaukee Brace
One of the first types of orthopedic back brace developed was the Milwaukee brace, which consists of a hard body shell with a neck stabilizing bar and buckles to tighten the brace. It is used in cases in which more aggressive treatment is indicated, and particularly where the most problematic curvature is in the thoracic area of the spine. Patients wear the Milwaukee brace for 23 hours a day, with removal for athletic activities and swimming.
Boston Brace
The Boston brace is a variation of the Milwaukee brace, consisting of a hard-shelled body that fits from the upper chest to the hips. It is tightened via a series of hook-and-loop straps across the body. The Boston brace is somewhat less constricting and noticeable than a Milwaukee brace, though it is also worn 23 hours a day. A Boston brace is indicated where the primary curvature is in the thoracic or lumbar regions.
Soft Bracing
A recent development in the treatment of scoliosis is soft bracing. The Spinecor soft brace is made up of a wide elastic straps that are fitted to each patient to hold the body in a "corrective position" and provide resistance that gently pulls the patient back into the position, which gradually improves the curvature. The Spinecor brace can be used to treat most mild to moderate cases of scoliosis, although as a relatively new treatment it is not yet in wide use.
