Adult Bracing
Scoliosis bracing may play an important role in the treatment of scoliosis in adults.
About Adult Scoliosis Bracing
Scoliosis bracing is a treatment approach which may be used for adults with scoliosis.
In many cases it can be used for those with pre-existing scoliosis, that developed during the growth phase (usually adolescent scoliosis), or Adult Degenerative De-Novo Scoliosis (DDS), the development of a new scoliosis, usually as a result of spinal degeneration.
For adults with scoliosis, bracing may be considered in cases where the curve is progressive, there is significant asymmetry or instability, and pain and discomfort is being experienced.
The goal of early intervention, with bracing, is generally to improve the global balance of the spine to help maintain an upright posture, improve strength and flexibility, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life.
There is evidence to support custom rigid bracing as an effective, non-invasive treatment option for adults with scoliosis, slowing down the rate of progression of curves and providing a potential alternative to surgery#*.
If you’ve noticed a change in yourself or a loved one, and have questions about the chance of progression or if bracing is a suitable treatment option, contact us for an assessment.
#Palazzo C, Montigny J-P, Barbot F, Bussel B, Vaugier I, Fort D, Courtois I and Marty-Poumarat C. Effects of Bracing in Adult With Scoliosis: A Retrospective Study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2017 Jan;98(1):187-190. DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2016.05.019. Epub 2016 Jun 22.
*McAviney J, Mee J, Fazalbhoy A, Du Plessis J and Brown B. A systematic literature review of spinal brace/orthosis treatment for adults with scoliosis between 1967 and 2018: clinical outcomes and harms data. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2020. 21(1) DOI:10.1186/s12891-020-3095-x
Bracing Treatment
A brace is usually worn for several hours a day, although the duration and frequency of wear may vary based on the patient’s individual needs and the severity of their scoliosis.
For some adults, bracing may be recommended as a temporary treatment, while in others it may be needed for the long-term.
Bracing can also be combined with scoliosis specific rehabilitation, for example ScoliBalance®. In adult patients , scoliosis specific exercises are aimed at recovering postural collapse, postural control and vertebral stability. A combination of both treatments can enable many older patients to live an enhanced quality of life and make daily activities more comfortable.
Our approach to scoliosis bracing for Adult patients, brings together advanced technology, evidence-based techniques and dedicated clinicians to offer a custom 3D scoliosis brace to treat scoliosis in adults. We offer the world’s most advanced scoliosis brace called ScoliBrace®.
Using a structured light scanner that attaches to an iPad, the BraceScan software allows our clinicians to capture full 3D body scans of a patient in any position. The software removes many of the inaccuracies of traditional bracing, and accurately captures important patient data.
These 3D scans, digital X-rays, posture photos and other clinical information are then used to design a 3D custom brace incorporating design elements to treat the unique aspects of adult scoliosis that are causing the patients symptoms or concerns.
This unique approach means that no two braces are the same, just as no two curves are the same.
Using a structured light scanner that attaches to an iPad, the BraceScan software allows our clinicians to capture full 3D body scans of a patient in any position. The software removes many of the inaccuracies of traditional bracing, and accurately captures important patient data.
These 3D scans, digital X-rays, posture photos and other clinical information are then used to design a 3D custom brace incorporating design elements to treat the unique aspects of adult scoliosis that are causing the patients symptoms or concerns.
This unique approach means that no two braces are the same, just as no two curves are the same.
Our Adult ScoliBrace®. is an adult specific scoliosis brace focussing on postural realignment and spinal stabilization. It can help patients with both degenerative (de novo) scoliosis and a pre-existing scoliosis from adolescence as well as age related kyphosis and chronic back pain. Specific indications will vary according to the patient’s individual situation.
Adult scoliosis behaves differently to scoliosis in children. Pain is usually the main concern for adults with scoliosis and just treating the curve alone does not necessarily improve pain.
The brace design deals with the unique features of adult scoliosis that cause pain and disability such as a change in the postural balance (sagital and coronal balance) and the development of instability of some vertebrae (lateral listhesis).
For adults, getting a brace which is specifically designed to treat the unique aspects of adult scoliosis can make a huge difference to their treatment goals and quality of life.
Adult scoliosis behaves differently to scoliosis in children. Pain is usually the main concern for adults with scoliosis and just treating the curve alone does not necessarily improve pain.
The brace design deals with the unique features of adult scoliosis that cause pain and disability such as a change in the postural balance (sagital and coronal balance) and the development of instability of some vertebrae (lateral listhesis).
For adults, getting a brace which is specifically designed to treat the unique aspects of adult scoliosis can make a huge difference to their treatment goals and quality of life.
Success Stories
from our Clinics
We’d like to thank our patients for their permission to use their images and results in our case studies. These studies are not to be reproduced without written permission from ScoliCare.
Case – Adult Bracing (87 year old female)
Female aged 87 years with adult degenerative scoliosis. Treatment of a severe scoliosis using a 3D designed custom scoliosis brace in an Older Female PatientCase – Adult Bracing (78 year old female)
78 year old female patient with progressive idiopathic scoliosis into adulthood.Other Types of Bracing Treatments
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