Replies to Kalibus Scoliosis Brace (possible repeat e-mail)

Replies to Kalibus Scoliosis Brace (possible repeat e-mail)

Sorry if this is a repeat, I was l told my first attempt may not have been
successfully e-mailed to the list.

Original Question:

I have a 21 month old female with the singular diagnosis of infantile
scoliosis. When she was 10.5 months her curve was 35 degrees left,
thoracolumbar, apex was T11/12. She was fit into a custom Charleston Bending
Brace, but progressed nonetheless to 52 degrees. The Physician has returned
her to us for a custom Boston Brace to be worn during the day, and back to
her Charleston at night.
The kind folks at Boston Brace called and told me that if we do not get the
results we are hoping for, they on occasion make a Kalibus (spelling may be
incorrect) brace for children this small. Unfortunately, they didn't have
much in the way of follow up information on the brace. I believe it is
fabricated from leather, and is adjustable. Does anyone out there have
information or experience to share with me about this?

I will compile and post the replies.

Steve Baum C.O.
Palo Alto Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics
499 Hamilton Ave. Suite. 100
Palo Alto, CA. 94301
(650) 326-7504
                                        E-mail < <Email Address Redacted> >

Answers are separated by ++++++++++++++

Requests for information on the Kalibus have appeared previously
on this list, and the best resource for information is Carol Hentges,
CO, with Fairview Orthopedic Labs in Minneapolis. Carol has fit a
number of these on very young children and infants. The Kailbus
itself is an old design, and today can be constructed of more
modern material, including poly or co-poly.

Contact Carol at (612) 870-1208.

Ted Markgren, CO, FAAOP
Vice President
Orthotic & Prosthetic Group of America
Phone: 800.214.6742 or 319.274.6627
Fax: 888.449.0610
E-mail: <Email Address Redacted>

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
KALABIS orthosis is made of leather belts / straps connecting three pads
over the apex opposite shoulder , apex itself and hip opposite to apex as
well as shoulder. It is a little bit complicated to explain how to make it ,
so I'll send you a picture (attached file).
If there is noone closer to you to make it , let me know. I will send you
necessary measurement form , fill it up , and I will make one for you.
Take care ,
Davor
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Steve, I think is quite important to know if this case is Congenital or
Idiopathic, for the evolution I can think that is congenital. In this cases
you can use a CTLSO, low profile neck ring.
If you send me more information maybe I can help you.
Miguel Gomez M.D, CO
www.orthotic.com
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I have used the Kalibas brace. It consists of a leather shoulder ring and
thigh corset on one side and a leather
pad on the other. they are attached with Velcro closures for adjustments. DO
NOT LET them talk you into a molded
plastic device the leather molds to the patient and the plastic won't. If you
can come up with an old Atlas of
Orthotics for pictures.

Dan Snelson, CPO,FAAOP
Shriners Hospitals for Children, Los Angeles
213-368-3373
<Email Address Redacted> work e-mail

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

There is a picture in the last editition of the Atlas of Orthotics. I have
fitted a couple of them here in Charleston. I used Smith and Nephew Rolyan
molded directly to the torso.

Patricia Hazard

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I don't have any information on the Kalibus orthosis, however, I am
writing to you to suggest trying something new and different. I am an
orthotist working at the Bloorview MacMillan Centre in Toronto, and have
been bracing scoliosis for 18 years. Recently, I have been working on
something I call the Chameleon TLSO, so called because it is changeable from
day to night positioning. This is something I have been thinking about for
around 10 years, but never got to trying it till now. It sounds like your
little patient could benefit from all the correction she can get. To date, I
have only made 4 Chameleon TLSOs, all custom made, but I would be happy to
talk to you about them if you're interested in custom fabricating something
yourself. The idea involves a 2-part TLSO with a gliding hinge, and straps
to hold the position. So it is like combining a Charleston and a Boston,
with maximum correction for both day and night. May I refer you to the ACPOC
newsletter of December 1, 2000 (Vol. 6, Issue 4), front page.
    Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in discussing this
further.

Naomi Carol Matsui, CO(c)
Bloorview MacMillan Centre
Toronto Ontario Canada
416-424-3826
416-425-6220, ext. 3011 
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I have fit kalibus orthoses for infantile spinal deformities but all of the
fittings were for pre-ambulatory children. It basicly consists of a shoulder
ring, a thoracic pad, and a pelvic girdle and treats long C curves best. If
more information is needed let me know. KT
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Call Jim Walker at Children's Hospital in Philly he has used it with
success.

R.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thank you one and all, depending on the results of the new fit Boston Brace,
I am now armed with additional information on possible alternatives.