Scoliosis Orthoses question: Responses

Scoliosis Orthoses question: Responses

Harry Phillips

10/9/2010

Here is my original question followed by the responses that did not
request not to be posted. My thanks to the list for the thoughtful
responses.
Original (long-winded) question:
 
To the List,
I finished the day yesterday with a lengthy telephone
conversation with the mother of a 14 year old girl who was just
diagnosed with a rapidly progressing 37 degree lumbothoracic curve and
prescribed a TLSO. The child is devastated at the thought have being
forced to wear a rigid brace according to Mom. Consequently Mom hit
the internet and feels that the Spinecore system would be less
restrictive and noticeable and might perhaps be the better option for
her daughter. I do not use the Spinecore system for a variety of
reasons not the least of which is the fact that I have no experience
fitting the system and no access to a colleague who has experience to
coach me. I was quite forthcoming about this in my conversation and
explained that I relied on the Boston system because I have had a lot of
experience and using it and have achieved reasonably good results. I
also feel the Boston system is the most thoroughly researched device and
that the efficacy of the system is born out by that research.
All of which proceeded the following question: Have I heard of anyone
who has fit patients with the Spinecor system for daytime wear and a
rigid TLSO for night time use? I told her I had not (and observed the
it was unlikely that there would b third party funding for such a
procedure), but said I would pose this question to the listserv to see
if anyone has tried a tension based Scoliosis orthosis during the day
and a more rigid TLSO (either Boston or Bending Brace) for night time
wear. I will post responses to this question (if there are any) as well
as comments in favor or opposed to Spinecor, Boston, or nocturnal
bending brace approaches to Scoliosis management.
Thanks for your help