In the 1st visit, some evaluations are required in order to fit the SpineCor® brace.
To help to perform these evaluations, some anatomical points can be mark on your back with a make-up pencil, which will be erased at the end of the visit.
For all the evaluations, you will be asked to place your feet in a foot template to avoid any influence of an eventual change of your position on the evaluations.
Then, the following evaluations will be performed:
1st. Clinical Evaluation: to evaluate your growth pattern and any postural abnormalities.
2nd. Radiological Evaluation: a radiological study is needed to evaluate the type of curve and its potential of progression. The x-rays required for this study are the following:
Frontal x-ray
Lateral x-ray
Supine x-ray (optional)
Note: All x-rays used for this study should have been done recently (a maximum of 1 month old) in order to have accurate information to evaluate the scoliosis curve.
The data resulting from the clinical and radiological exams are entered in the SpineCor Assistant Software, which will provide information to fit the brace correctly.
Once the brace is fitted, it is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the brace fitting performing the following exams:
1st. Clinical Evaluation in Brace
2nd. Radiological Evaluation in Brace: 1 new frontal x-ray in brace is required to confirm the result.
At the end of the visit, all patients/parents will be shown how to perform their specific Corrective Movement and shown how to correctly fit the brace, maintaining an optimal corrective movement position, and how to take it off. Patients/parents should demonstrate by fitting the brace independently 2 – 3 times that they fully understand the correct fitting procedure. Each patient is provided with a Patient Manual with the instructions to fit the brace correctly and indications for its correct maintenance.
Follow-up Visits
Patients will be asked to visit regularly their bracing practitioner (doctor, orthotist or therapist) along the duration of the treatment for regular readjustments of the brace and to control the evolution of the curve.
SpineCor Treatment
The SpineCor® brace is worn for 20 hours per day. The 4-hour out of the brace period should be taken in two or more intervals during the least active part of the day. The brace MUST be worn while sleeping.
The length of treatment will depend on the severity of the curve, age at start of treatment and its evolution, but it is always a minimum of 18 months. (Average for adolescent scoliosis of 24 months, Juvenile cases require much longer treatment times.)
To optimise the dynamic effect of the brace, patients are encouraged to perform any type of sport WEARING the brace (except for swimming).
Patients may be suggested to undergo a specific SpineCor Physiotherapy Program in order to complement the action of the SpineCor brace.
A shoe lift may be also prescribed at the time of brace supply. All shoe lifts should be sole and heel, not just heel, and must be worn during all activities.