There are several type of back braces for use with scoliosis

There are several type of back braces for use with scoliosis
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How Is It Determined Which Brace To Use?

There are several types of back braces for use with scoliosis. Depending on the type of the scoliosis, and the specific needs of the patient, the physician will prescribed what brace is needed. An orthopedic surgeon usually makes this decision. They will come to the conclusion of what brace is needed by the patient after conducting x-rays. MRI and CAT scans. The specific measurements of the patient are also a major factor in deciding what type of brace that patient will need. They also would make the decision of how long the brace should be warned to get the best results.

What Type Of Back Braces are There?

There are several types of braces used in the treatment for scoliosis. These are the ones that are the most commonly used.

  • Milwaukee Brace - also known as the Cervico-Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis is one of the two most popular braces used. This brace is designed to be worn at all times except when showering. It is designed to encase the entire torso. A neck ring is attached by a bar. This type of brace is usually prescribed to correct curves in the thoracic spine.
  • Boston Brace - this brace is also one of the two most popular braces used. It is prescribed for lumbar and thoracic curves. This brace is custom fit to the patient with molded plastic. The straps can be adjusted for the best fit. It is usually worn at all times except for when in the bath or shower.
  • Charleston Brace - this brace is known as the bending brace. This brace is usually fitted, while the patient bends to the side. This makes this a unique brace from other braces, for use with scoliosis. Another unique feature of this brace is that it is only worn at night. That is why this brace is also known as the nighttime brace. This enables the patient to participate in everyday activities more easily.
  • Spinecor brace - is made out of elastic straps that are custom fitted and allows unrestricted normal movement. This brace is made of flexible material that can be easily concealed under clothing. Sometimes this brace is prescribed to wear only a certain amount of hours during the day or while sleeping.
  • Providence Brace - is usually prescribed for mild to moderate curvature. The plastic mold is a low-profile design. Even though it is similar to daytime braces, it is worn only at night. It is used for the correction of mild to moderate curvature.

Do The Braces Need Adjusting?

The back braces for use with scoliosis may need to be adjusted or the patient may need to be refitted for new brace as they grow or their condition improves. It will be important to keep all doctors’ appointments so they can compare x-rays, MRIs and CAT scans. This way, the improvements can be documented and monitored for any adjustments that may be needed. Sometimes a patient may start out on one type of brace, and depending on the results, the physician may prescribe another type of brace.

References

Indiana University

https://www.orthopaedics.iu.edu/workfiles/07OrthoJournal.pdf

Johns Hopkins Orthopaedic Surgery,

https://www.hopkinsortho.org/scoliosis.html

MDLINX.com

https://www.mdlinx.com/orthopedics/news-article.cfm/2857776/scoliosis