Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Living With Scoliosis | Resource Guide
A brace is generally recommended for scoliosis curves that are greater than 20° and less than 50°. Braces are worn in an effort to stop the spine from progressing to greater degrees of curvature. While they won’t improve the current degree of scoliosis, they may prevent progression that could lead to a need for surgery.
Your child will be asked to wear the brace for 16 to 23 hours a day. He or she will be given special exercises to do to maintain lung function.
If a brace is necessary, it will be worn until the child is no longer actively growing. At this point, it’s thought that the degree of scoliosis will be stable. If the degree of scoliosis continues to progress despite the brace, surgery may be advised if the curvature reaches approximately 40° to 50°.
It can be awkward to wear these braces. They’re uncomfortable and hot, and many adolescents feel embarrassed about appearing so different.
Types of braces include:
Milwaukee Brace
This brace covers the entire torso. It has a an area to rest the chin and a headrest for the back of the head. One flat bar travels down the front, and two flat bars travel down the back. This type of brace is used for scoliosis occurring at any point along the spine.
Thoracolumbosacral Orthosis (TLSO) or Boston Brace
This brace is a bit less chunky and obvious than the Milwaukee brace. It doesn’t extend up under the chin or behind the head. Instead, it stays under the arms and wraps around the back, rib cage, lower back, and hips.
Charleston Bending Brace
This is a brace that’s worn only at night. Questions remain about its effectiveness.
SpineCor
Researchers are still looking into this new type of brace that consists of a cotton vest and adjustable bands. Its effectiveness is still being evaluated.
References:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aaos.org/ .
Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics. 10th ed. Mosby; 2003.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .
Scoliosis Research Society website. Available at: http://www.srs.org/ .
Last reviewed August 2008 by Robert E. Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.