ScoliBrace: A Revolutionary Treatment for Scoliosis
ScoliBrace®: An Individualized 3D Approach to Scoliosis Bracing
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that can affect children, adolescents, and adults. Because scoliosis varies considerably from one person to another, decisions regarding bracing should be based on an individualized clinical and radiographic assessment.
ScoliBrace® is a custom three-dimensional scoliosis orthosis designed specifically around an individual patient’s curve pattern, body shape, clinical findings, and treatment objectives.
What Is ScoliBrace®?
ScoliBrace® uses three-dimensional scanning and computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to create a custom orthosis for the individual patient.
Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, the brace is designed according to the patient’s unique spinal deformity and body shape.
At Bethesda Spine & Posture, ScoliBrace® recommendations are made following a comprehensive evaluation that may include clinical examination, postural assessment, standing spinal radiographs, measurements of the scoliosis and spinal alignment, assessment of skeletal maturity when appropriate, and three-dimensional scanning.
How Does ScoliBrace® Work?
ScoliBrace® is designed to apply individualized three-dimensional corrective forces and provide external support based on the patient’s specific scoliosis pattern.
Treatment goals depend significantly upon the patient’s age and clinical circumstances.
For growing adolescents, bracing may be recommended with the goal of reducing the risk of scoliosis progression during remaining growth.
For adults, bracing goals are typically different and may include improving postural support and spinal balance, assisting with pain and functional management, and providing external support for the patient’s spinal deformity.
Brace recommendations, prescribed wearing schedules, and treatment goals are individualized for each patient.
A Custom 3D Approach
One of the distinguishing characteristics of ScoliBrace® is its individualized design process.
Three-dimensional scanning and computer-aided design allow the orthosis to be created around the patient’s specific body shape and spinal deformity.
Because scoliosis is a three-dimensional condition, treatment planning considers the patient’s spinal alignment in multiple planes rather than focusing solely on a single Cobb-angle measurement.
ScoliBrace® and ScoliBalance®
When clinically appropriate, bracing may be combined with ScoliBalance® physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE).
ScoliBalance® provides individualized exercises based on the patient’s curve pattern, posture, physical abilities, symptoms, and treatment objectives.
The combination allows bracing and active rehabilitation to be incorporated into a comprehensive conservative scoliosis management program when appropriate for the individual patient.
Specialized Scoliosis Care at Bethesda Spine & Posture
Daniel Kraus, DC is Advanced Certified in ScoliBrace®, ScoliBalance®, and Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP®) and has specialized training in the conservative evaluation and management of scoliosis, kyphosis, postural abnormalities, and spinal deformity.
Our approach begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Treatment recommendations are then individualized according to the patient’s diagnosis, age, skeletal maturity, spinal alignment, symptoms, functional limitations, and treatment goals.
No brace or treatment can guarantee a particular outcome. Our objective is to provide patients with an individualized, evidence-informed conservative treatment strategy based upon their specific clinical circumstances.
If you or your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis, contact Bethesda Spine & Posture to schedule a scoliosis evaluation and determine whether custom 3D bracing and/or scoliosis-specific rehabilitation may be appropriate.