HOW ORTHOSES CAN HELP ADDRESS SCOLIOSIS Continue from previous page. Scoliosis Symptoms and Diagnosis Most children or adolescents with scoliosis don’t display symptoms, and they only learn they have the condition when a healthcare provider notices unusual spinal curvature during a routine exam, whether at check-in at the doctor’s office or a scoliosis screen at school. However, if you notice any of these changes in your child’s posture, it could be a sign of scoliosis: • Shoulders are uneven • One shoulder blade is more prominent than the other • One hip appears higher than the other • When bending forward, one side of the rib cage is higher than the other Your child’s physician can evaluate them for scoliosis and determine possible treatment options. For mild cases, your doctor will generally recommend observations and regular check-ins to see how the spine is growing. However, for more moderate scoliosis (a curve of 25 degrees or more), your doctor may recommend physical therapy and bracing to slow down the process. That’s where we come in! How We Design and Build a Custom Scoliosis Orthosis Every one of our scoliosis orthoses are custom-built just for the patient. We’ll work closely with your child’s doctor to determine which type of scoliosis orthosis is appropriate for your child’s needs, as various brace types are available. The Wilmington brace and the Boston brace are the two most commonly-prescribed braces, both of which are customized to fit the patient. We start with detailed measurements, a torso scan or a cast to ensure the orthosis fits exactly as it should. We then send this data to our computer to digitize the scan or cast to custom fabricate a comfortable, effective device. Next, we work with your child at a fitting appointment to further customize the brace, trimming or heat-molding the orthosis to ensure comfort and effectiveness. Your child’s doctor will let you know the exact usage of the brace. Typically,
however, scoliosis orthoses are worn 18-23 hours a day until your child is skeletally mature (typically determined through X-ray). Fortunately, because modern-day braces are customized to your child’s torso, they generally aren’t noticeable under clothes, so your child can wear their device with confidence. Your doctor may request an in-brace X-ray to ensure
the orthosis fits properly. Your child will also come into regular follow-up appointments at our clinic every 3-6 months to monitor growth and adjust the orthosis as needed. Get Your Child’s Custom-Designed Brace Today!
While it may be initially challenging to learn your child requires an orthosis, the team at Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics will work diligently to ensure the process is as smooth and pain-free as possible. Scoliosis braces have come a long way in the last few decades, and we’re proud to utilize the latest technology to ensure a proper fit. If you’re ready to learn more about the benefits of a custom built orthoses, call us to schedule an appointment today!
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