Scoliosis Treatment

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that affects children during adolescent growth periods. It can affect any child, although girls tend to experience it more often. In most cases the cause is unknown.

Scoliosis is usually painless, and a child often doesn’t know she has it until it is detected by the school nurse, a doctor, or her parents. After initial detection, the child should see an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in scoliosis to confirm an official diagnosis. Diagnosis is usually made by the doctor after X-Rays have been taken to indicate the location of the curve apex, the angle of curvature (Cobb angle), and the skeletal maturity (Risser score). These results help the doctor determine the best possible treatment, which often includes a scoliosis brace.

Hanger Clinic Scoliosis Treatment Program

Bracing

If a scoliosis brace has been prescribed, the next step is to meet your child’s orthotist who will work with you to design a brace that not only treats your child’s scoliosis effectively, but also reflects their unique personality.

Scoliosis bracing is often considered in terms of how often the brace is worn. In milder cases, the referring physician may recommend night-time only bracing. Some of the more common nighttime braces include the Charleston Bending Brace and Providence Brace. These braces provide more extreme positioning than those options intended for use throughout the day.

More commonly, scoliosis braces are prescribed for full-time use. Frequently prescribed full-time orthoses included the Day-Pro and the Boston Brace. Your doctor will decide how many hours per day the brace should be worn.

Education

Your orthotist is ready to listen, answer your questions, and provide verbal and written information to help you along your journey. Come to your appointments with any questions you’d like answered. You may want to ask:

• How will I be measured for my brace?
• How long will it take to get my brace after I am measured?
• How long will I have to wear it each day?
• What activities can I still do? What should I not do?
• Do I wear my brace during these activities?
• What clothes should I wear over and under my brace?
• How do I contact you if I have any questions?

Monitoring

The Hanger Clinic Scoliosis Treatment Program includes an Intelligent Orthotics™ (iO™) Monitor that may be seamlessly fabricated into your brace and measures the number of hours per day you wear your brace.

Your doctor can set wear-time targets an​d download wear reports to help make sure they are adjusting your wear schedule as needed.

Encouragement

In addition to the support and encouragement you will receive from your doctors, orthotist, friends, and family, it is important to connect with others who have experienced scoliosis treatment. Find peer support by joining groups at CurvyGirlsScoliosis.com and SettingScoliosisStraight.org.