HOW TO TREAT SCOLIOSIS WITHOUT SURGERY?

Currently, the only scientifically valid and proven technique to treat a patient without scoliosis is with bracing or application of plaster cast in very young children. In a very general sense, bracing is indicated in children who have deformities less than 50 degrees. Depending on severity of the deformity, the treating surgeon may advise for full-time or part-time brace wear. The child can be allowed all normal activities while wearing the brace. In order to avoid the child becoming too conscious, it can be worn over an undergarment and under regular clothes. Regular x-rays are taken at serial intervals, generally at about 6 months’ interval. The bracing is continued till the child attains skeletal maturity, i.e. generally 14 years in girls and 16 years in boys. The treatment is termed successful if the deformity does not progress more than 5 degrees or stays within 50 degrees till skeletal maturity. Patients with flexible curves, curves in the lower back [lumbar spine] and midback [thoracolumbar spine] are most likely to respond well to this form of treatment.

Reference

Text Box: Peeters CMM, van Hasselt AJ, Wapstra FH, Jutte PC, Kempen DHR, Faber C. Predictive Factors on Initial in-brace Correction in Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2022 Apr 15;47(8):E353-E361. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000004305. Epub 2021 Nov 29. PMID: 35500086.