Correction of a small/developing curve using a ScoliNight Orthosis.
Female aged 6 years with a 14° curve and and a strong family history.
Summary:
In this case study, a ScoliNight brace was used as a proactive approach to preventing curve development and the onset of structural progression in a child with a strong history of scoliosis in her mother. The mother was keen to avoid her child adopting the ‘wait and see’ approach and thus as soon as a curve started to develop, she opted for the ScoliNight brace. The child was compliant in wearing her brace at night and within seven weeks we observed a masked improvement in her posture. An X-ray was not performed at this stage due to there being no clinical signs of a structural scoliosis. While a longer term follow up is necessary, this result is promising.
Case Background
The patient presented to the clinic aged 6 years at the time of initial examination with a 14 degree curve and a strong family history. Initially, she was treated with shoe lift and chiropractic and monitored over time.
Examination Findings
Over the next 6 months, there was a demonstrated progression of curve. As there was a family history of scoliosis, the parents wanted to attempt to proactively address the curvature that appeared to be developing.
Intervention
The patient was recommended a night-time customised, thoracolumbosacral orthosis [TLSO] (ScoliNight brace). This was for night time wear only.
Outcomes
Note the correction in alignment after 7 weeks of ScoliNight treatment (Figure 3).
Discussion
This patient had a strong family history of idiopathic scoliosis in her family. The parents were keen to be proactive in her treatment and thus night-time bracing was attempted. A small curve was developing at age 6 and after 7 weeks of night-time bracing there was no sign of scoliosis clinically, and thus an X-ray could not be justified.
Conclusion
Night-time bracing provided clinical improvements in the posture of this patient in a short-term follow up only. Long-term follow-up is advisable however these early results are promising.
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NB: Results vary from case to case. Our commitment is to recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the patients type and severity of scoliosis.
