Scoliosis bracing in Boise, Idaho

scolibracing x-ray scans

Bracing becomes the best option in moderate to severe scoliosis cases, when the scoliosis continues to progress despite rehabilitation programs, or in cases with a high chance of progression (any curve over 30°, or a child/adolescent that is still growing). Scoliosis can progress rapidly during growth periods, so early treatment is always most effective. Smaller curves may be corrected with a night-time or part-time brace, which the patient only wears while sleeping or a few hours a day

Boston Brace: This is the most common “brand” of scoliosis brace prescribed in the United States. Traditional braces, such as the Boston brace, were designed only to help prevent scoliosis from progressing. The success of these braces historically are dependent on the skills of the orthotist who is molding the brace and the doctors’ ability to properly fit the brace to each patient.

ScoliBrace:

Unlike the older generations of rigid spinal braces, a ScoliBrace is designed to position the patient in an over-corrected position that is essentially the “mirror-image” of the patient’s original deformity. The outcome is not only the prevention of progression, but also correction of the abnormal curvatures in the majority of cases. In result, the overall posture and appearance of the patient’s body is greatly improved seen by the decrease in rib humping, shoulder unleveling, and other postural distortions.
Because scoliosis is 3-dimensional in form, treatments also need to be 3-dimensional to properly “unwind” the deformity. At Optimal Spine & Posture, we use a complete 3-D body scan along with x-ray and posture analysis to customize a brace for each patient. Modern computer technology, Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, and manufacturing techniques combine to create a brace designed to fit each individual patient’s needs. Modifications can be made in-office, allowing the doctor to “personalize” the brace even further for both comfort and effectiveness.

Wait there’s more… ScoliBrace also opens and closes in front, making it easy to put on and remove without any assistance, unlike other braces that are secured in the back. The brace can also be customized with many different colors and patterns to give the brace your own personal flare.

The ScoliBrace can be used to treat infantile, juvenile, and adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), along with adult onset scoliosis (De Novo). In some cases, ScoliBrace may be prescribed to treat congenital and neuromuscular scoliosis, commonly seen in Cerebral Palsy (CP) or Muscular Dystrophy (MD). Additionally, ScoliBrace can be used to stabilize adult degenerative scoliosis and hyperkyphosis (hunch back).

Bracing is most beneficial for curves between 20-50 degrees. However, we have experience bracing curves over 70 degrees for those patients refusing surgery and electing for conservative treatment.

Scoliosis Bracing for Adults

 Bracing is absolutely recommended for adults with curves greater than 50 degrees, as curves greater than 50 degrees will on average progress 1-2 degrees per year based on the recent research. ScoliBrace may also be worn to stabilize degenerative scoliosis in adults with any curves over 30 degrees. The goals in bracing for adult degenerative scoliosis is not to fully correct scoliosis, but to stabilize the condition, decrease or eliminate pain, and prevent surgery. However, improvements are normally seen with these adult bracing protocols. If curves progress beyond 60 degrees in the thoracic spine or 70 degrees in the lumbar spine, surgery may be the best option at that point.

male in scoliobrace

Hyperkyphosis and the KyphoBrace

Hyperkyphosis or “hunchback” is a condition when there is an increased curve in the mid-spine when viewed from the side. A normal thoracic spine curvature (kyphosis) should have approximately a 40 degree curve. In adolescents with a mid-back kyphosis curve greater than 50 degrees or 60 degrees in adults, bracing is typically recommended. Surgery is often recommended when the curve reaches 70 degrees, or when the deformity starts to affect the lungs and heart.

What You Can Expect…

  1. Your doctor will consult with you, perform an exam and review your x-rays to determine if you are a candidate for a ScoliBrace.
  2. Optimal Spine & Posture’s experienced health professionals will complete a 3-D Brace Scan, which captures the contours and dimensions of your body to create a custom-fitted ScoliBrace.
  3. We’ll send your Brace Scan, digital x-rays, posture pictures, and relevant clinical information to ScoliCare in Sydney, Australia. The manufacturing process will begin for your custom-fitted brace using advanced CAD/CAM technologies.
  4. When your ScoliBrace is complete and shipped to our clinic, we’ll schedule a brace fitting for you at Optimal Spine & Posture.
  5. We will schedule your progress reviews and follow-ups.

You can call our office to schedule a free consultation to see if in-office rehabilitation and/or the ScoliBrace may work for you and your specific scoliosis curvature. We also see patients that travel to our clinic by making arrangements for both in-office intensive treatment for a period of 1-4 weeks, and sometimes combined with scanning and fitting of the ScoliBrace. Call us today to make arrangements to see if you may qualify as an out-of-town patient.

Call Today to Get Started: (208) 748-5909