How might someone with scoliosis be treated?
Casting - in early cases the child's spine may have to be guided back into its normal position as it grows. This can be done with a brace made of plaster of Paris - it is attached to the outside of the patient's body. This is worn all the time (without removing it). Because the child is growing he/she will need regular cast changes.
Braces - if the patient has moderate scoliosis and the bones are still growing the doctor may recommend a brace. This will prevent further curvature, but will not cure or reverse it. Braces are usually worn all the time, even at night. The more hours per day the patient wears the brace the more effective it tends to be. The brace does not generally restrict what the child can do. If the child wishes to take part in a physical activity, the braces can be taken off (check with the doctor). When the bones stop growing the use of braces is discontinued.
There are two types of braces:
Surgery (spinal fusion) - in severe cases the scoliosis can progress over time. In such cases the physician may advise on spinal fusion. This is a type of surgery which reduces the spinal curvature and stops it from progressing (getting worse). At least two vertebrae (spine bones) are connected with new bone grafts. Sometimes metal rods, hooks, screws or wires may be used to hold a part of the spine straight.
Braces - if the patient has moderate scoliosis and the bones are still growing the doctor may recommend a brace. This will prevent further curvature, but will not cure or reverse it. Braces are usually worn all the time, even at night. The more hours per day the patient wears the brace the more effective it tends to be. The brace does not generally restrict what the child can do. If the child wishes to take part in a physical activity, the braces can be taken off (check with the doctor). When the bones stop growing the use of braces is discontinued.
There are two types of braces:
- Thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) (Low-profile brace or underarm brace) - it is contoured to conform to the body and is made of modern plastic materials. As this brace fits under the arms, around the rib cage, and lower back and hips it is not usually visibly detectable under clothing.
- Milwaukee brace - this brace has a neck ring with rests for the chin and the back of the head; it is a full-torso brace. It has a flat bar in the front and two flat bars behind. This type of brace is only ever used when the TLSO is not possible or not effective.
Surgery (spinal fusion) - in severe cases the scoliosis can progress over time. In such cases the physician may advise on spinal fusion. This is a type of surgery which reduces the spinal curvature and stops it from progressing (getting worse). At least two vertebrae (spine bones) are connected with new bone grafts. Sometimes metal rods, hooks, screws or wires may be used to hold a part of the spine straight.