Scoliosis treatment can help stop the progression of spine curvature. The National Scoliosis Foundation reports that the primary age of onset for the condition is 10 to 15 years old. If your teenager has scoliosis, your doctor may recommend bracing or surgery, based on the degree of curvature and your child's age.
Boston Brace
The thoracolumbosacral orthosis, also called the Boston brace, helps prevent progression of the curve by applying three-point pressure to the curvature, according to the Spine-Health website. Your child wears the custom-molded brace under his clothing for 23 hours and only removes the brace to shower, swim or participate in sports or physical education classes.
Milwaukee Brace
The cervicothoracolumbosacral orthosis, also called the Milwaukee brace, is similar to the Boston brace but contains a neck ring and upright metal bars that pressure the spine into a straighter position, according to the Spine Kids website. The Milwaukee brace treats curves in the thoracic spine. This type of brace is also worn for 23 hours and removed for bathing, sports or other activities.
Charleston Bending Brace
Your child wears the Charleston bending brace while she sleeps. The brace is molded to your child while she bends toward the curve, resulting in a slightly awkward sleeping position. Because the brace is only worn at night, your teenager can participate in all activities and no one may even realize that she is being treated for scoliosis. The Spine-Health website reports that children who have curves in the 20- to 40-degree range with the apex of the curve below the level of the shoulder blade may benefit from the Charleston brace.
Spinal Fusion Surgery
When your teenager's curve increases, despite wearing a brace, your doctor may recommend spinal fusion surgery. During this surgery, your child's surgeon will use screws and rods to straighten the spine to some degree. The bones connected by the rods will fuse together, preventing further curvature. Doctors perform surgery from the front or back of the spine. KidsHealth.org reports that children can take part in most regular activities three to four months after surgery and can return to almost all activities six to 12 months after surgery.
Endoscopic Scoliosis Fusion Surgery
Doctors perform endoscopic scoliosis surgery using smaller incisions than they use in traditional fusion surgery. Small instruments and a tiny camera are placed through incisions, allowing the surgeon to view the curved area of the spine as he works. While endoscopic surgery shortens healing time, the Spine Kids website reports that the surgery is limited to mostly thoracic surgeries.
