Scoliosis bracing is a treatment approach which may be used for young patients with juvenile scoliosis.
Juvenile scoliosis, a form of idiopathic scoliosis, is seen in children between the ages of 4 and 10. This condition is particularly prevalent in girls, especially as they approach the latter part of this age range. It is seen more frequently than Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis, but it is less common than Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.
Children with juvenile scoliosis generally have a high risk of progression of their curve. Research* has shown that a large number children with this condition will worsen and require active treatment, with juvenile curves almost never resolving spontaneously.
With this in mind, early detection and treatment are crucial, as the condition can progress significantly with growth. The goal of early intervention, with bracing, aims to control the progression of the curve/s, over periods of rapid growth, aiming to halt progression and where possible correct the curve, potentially reducing the need for surgery.
If you’ve noticed a change in a loved one, and have questions about the chance of progression or if bracing is a suitable treatment option, contact us for an assessment.
*Charles YP, Saures J-P, de Rosa V, and Diméglio A. Progression risk of idiopathic juvenile scoliosis during pubertal growth. Spine 2006. Aug 1;31(17):1933-42. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000229230.68870.97.
Juvenile patients are typically prescribed a specific wearing schedule for brace wear, and consistent adherence to this protocol is crucial to getting the best results possible. A brace can be prescribed for full or part-time wear, depending on the patient’s individual case and the severity of their scoliosis.
Time out of the brace can be taken for participation in sport and other healthy activities.
Bracing may also be combined with scoliosis specific rehabilitation, for example ScoliBalance®, depending on the age of the patient. In juvenile patients , scoliosis specific exercises focus on improving posture, managing pain and helping to stabilise the spine. They may also complement brace wear, and help maintain the correction achieved with bracing.
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.
Patient aged 7 years with scoliosis thoracic curve measured at 32° and lumbar curve measured at 27° In-brace correction achieved with a custom 3D designed scoliosis brace compared with a standard TLSO in a juvenile scoliosis patient Summary: This case demonstrates the effect of a custom 3D designed scoliosis orthosis…
In the USA and Canada, health professionals who do not meet the minimum qualifications to become a Certified ScoliBalance Provider may become a ScoliBalance Assistant allowing them to carry out ScoliBalance rehabilitation activities working under direct supervision of a Certified ScoliBalance Provider.
The below guidelines are applicable for a ScoliBalance Assistant:
Minimum level qualifications required to become a ScoliBalance Assistant include Physical Therapy Assistant Certification, Personal Trainer Certification, or Chiropractic Assistant Certification. If you have questions about whether you have the appropriate qualifications for becoming a ScoliBalance Assistant, please contact us at support@scolicare.com