ScoliBrace – An Advanced Scoliosis Brace For Patients In Fort Collins, Colorado

Scoliosis Bracing Using ScoliBrace Technology

Scoliosis is a condition that can vary from mild to severe. As such, traditional, non-invasive treatment and rehabilitation techniques are not consistent enough to treat some cases of scoliosis. If rehabilitation isn’t helping to prevent scoliosis progression or if the patient has a severe curvature, then bracing is often recommended.

When it comes to bracing, there are several types of braces available.

Traditional braces, such as the Boston brace, are designed to help prevent scoliosis from progressing by using a three-point pressure system that squeezes the spine into alignment.

A Boston brace’s success mainly depends on each doctor’s ability to construct and properly fit the brace to the patient. Additionally, how it squeezes the spine can weaken it over time and lead to even more issues.

Fortunately, better alternatives have emerged over the years. For example, modern computer technology and manufacturing methods (CAD/CAM Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing) have allowed the development of more advanced scoliosis braces. One such brace is ScoliBrace.

What Is ScoliBrace?

ScoliBrace is a unique bracing system developed by ScoliCare that combines proven bracing techniques with the most advanced corrective spinal rehab methods and applies them to 3D custom bracing.

3D custom bracing measures the curves and angles in a patient’s spine digitally and creates a custom-fitted brace that offers targeted stabilization and supports precisely where needed. The result is a brace that is more comfortable and more effective in reducing and stabilizing the scoliosis curve.

How Does ScoliBrace Work?

By positioning the patient’s body in an over-corrected or mirror image position, ScoliBrace can reduce scoliosis curvatures in most cases. ScoliBrace can also improve overall appearance by reducing the physical signs of scoliosis, including rib humping and uneven shoulders.

New technology has been used to create ScoliBrace, meaning that these braces are highly comfortable and non-visible when worn under clothing. Moreover, ScoliBrace opens and closes in the front, so it’s easy to wear and remove without assistance. It also comes in various colors and patterns to personalize the look of the brace.

Although this may seem like a minor detail, it can make a big difference in terms of comfort and confidence, especially for children with scoliosis, which helps improve wear compliance as a result.

Who Can Use ScoliBrace?

ScoliBrace can help treat infantile, juvenile, and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). In some cases, ScoliBrace can also be utilized to treat congenital and neuromuscular scoliosis. Additionally, ScoliBrace can be used to stabilize adult degenerative scoliosis and hyperkyphosis.

What You Can Expect With A ScoliBrace Consultation

Here at Square One Health, we use ScoliBrace technology as part of our scoliosis treatment protocol. If you have scoliosis and want to explore bracing options, you can schedule a consultation with us in Fort Collins, CO. You can expect the following when it comes to getting fitted for a ScoliBrace:

 

• During the initial consultation with one of our health professionals, you will be carefully evaluated to determine if you are a good candidate for ScoliBrace. We will also discuss your overall health, lifestyle, and treatment goals to develop an individualized treatment plan.

 

• Our experienced health professionals will perform a 3D BraceScan to take accurate measurements of your body and determine how your spine is positioned. Doing so will allow ScoliCare to design a ScoliBrace that is custom-fitted to your body.

 

• With your permission, we’ll then send your BraceScan, digital x-rays, posture pictures, and relevant clinical information to ScoliCare in Sydney, Australia. ScoliCare will design your custom-fitted brace using advanced computer analysis and engineering. Once the design is completed, we will send it to a manufacturer in the U.S. who uses computer-aided technology to create your custom ScoliBrace. The manufacturer will then send your completed brace to your provider.

 

• When your ScoliBrace is ready, we’ll schedule a brace fitting here at Square ONE Health.

 

• Once you’ve been fitted with your ScoliBrace, we will schedule follow-ups to check your progress as needed.

Special Cases For Scoliosis Bracing

When traditional rehabilitation programs haven’t worked to correct scoliosis, bracing may be recommended for infants, kids, and teens. Scoliosis can quickly worsen during growth spurts, so getting early treatment is the most effective way to prevent progression.

Milder curvatures can be corrected with a night brace, which the patient only wears for a few hours each day and at night. Curvatures that are moderate, severe, or rapidly progressing may require wearing a brace all day and night.

Additionally, there are a few exceptional cases where bracing may be appropriate for adults, such as scoliosis bracing for patients with both scoliosis and hyperkyphosis.

• Bracing For Scoliosis And Kyphosis

Scoliosis is a condition that occurs when the spine rotates and curves to the left or right. In contrast, kyphosis is a condition where the spine curves forwards. A normal thoracic spine should have approximately 40° to 45° of curvature.

Bracing is typically recommended for adults with a kyphotic curvature of more than 60° or adolescents with a kyphotic curvature of more than 50°.

If a patient has both scoliosis and hyperkyphosis (kyphoscoliosis), doctors may recommend wearing a ScoliBrace to address both conditions.

• Scoliosis Bracing For Adults

Adults don’t typically have idiopathic scoliosis unless they had it as a child, possibly going undetected until adulthood. When scoliosis develops during adulthood, it’s called De Novo degenerative scoliosis, caused by the wear and tear of aging.

Idiopathic and De Novo degenerative scoliosis can be progressive and cause significant pain and discomfort if left untreated. In these cases, bracing may be recommended to slow the progression of scoliosis and reduce symptoms like pain.

A ScoliBrace is recommended for adults with a curvature over 30° or scoliosis with back pain. This is because curves over 30° have a moderate risk of progression, and curvatures greater than 50° will progress around one to two degrees per year on average. Bracing may also be recommended for patients with significant pain or discomfort due to scoliosis.

Remember that bracing in adults is not designed to entirely correct scoliosis but to stabilize the condition, decrease or eliminate pain, and prevent surgery. However, surgery may be needed if the curvature progresses beyond 60° in the thoracic or 50° in the lumbar spine.

If you or your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis, bracing may be the best way to address the condition and prevent it from progressing. Dr. Chris Gubbels is a certified practitioner with specialized training in scoliosis who can evaluate your spine and determine whether you are a good candidate for ScoliBrace treatment.

For more information about scoliosis bracing or to schedule a consultation in Fort Collins, contact us at Square ONE Health today.