Scoliosis Bracing

Scoliosis bracing, also known as thoracolumbar sacral orthosis (TLSO), is a treatment option for children and adolescents with moderate scoliosis. Scoliosis is when your child’s spine twists in a way that it shouldn’t, so there’s an abnormal curve. An X-ray may show a side-to-side curve in your child’s spine that looks like a C or an S.

Providers classify scoliosis by how far your child’s spine curves left to right away from the center of their body. Your child may benefit from bracing if their spine has a 25- to 40-degree curve.

Bracing puts gentle pressure on the curve in your child’s spine. Over time, the pressure acts to keep the curve from progressing. Healthcare providers recommend bracing for children and adolescents whose bones are still growing. Your child can stop wearing the brace when their spine stops growing.

Scoliosis bracing types

Most braces are plastic. They wrap around your child’s torso and run from their armpits to just below their waist. Two common types of braces for children with moderate scoliosis are:

• Boston brace: This brace puts pressure on three points of the side-to-side curve in your child’s spine. The brace opens in the back and runs straight up and down from your child’s armpits to their waist.
• Chêneau brace: Scoliosis causes your child’s spine to twist as it moves in a side-to-side curve. This brace puts pressure on the curve and unwinds the twisted section.

What happens before my child gets a brace?

Their healthcare provider will refer you to an orthotist, a medical professional with special training in fitting and making scoliosis braces. They’ll measure your child’s height and weight and build a custom brace. Your child may have several brace fittings so the orthotist can adjust the brace for comfort.

What happens after my child gets their brace?

Most children with moderate scoliosis will have a full-time brace. That means they wear the brace 16 to 23 hours a day. At first, your child may need to take short breaks. They may complain the brace makes it hard to sleep. If that’s your child’s situation, ask their provider or orthotist for suggestions.

Your child will have regular checkups so their orthotist can make sure the brace still fits. They’ll need new braces as they grow. And checkups will continue when your child no longer needs the brace to manage scoliosis. Their provider may do X-rays and physical exams every six months for the next two years.

Can my child play sports or be active?

Activities like swimming or gymnastics may help your child build core strength to support their spine. But they’ll probably need to pass on contact sports. Ask your child’s healthcare provider for guidance on activities.

How long will my child have to wear a brace?

That depends on factors like your child’s age and bone growth. In general, younger children will need to wear a brace longer than older children and adolescents. Your child may need to wear a brace for several months up to several years.

Is scoliosis bracing successful?

Bracing may keep the disease from getting worse or reduce the size or degree of the curve in your child’s spine. In general, full-time bracing is more effective than part-time bracing. Ask your child’s healthcare provider to explain how scoliosis bracing may affect your child’s spine.

When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?

Contact their provider or orthotist if your child says the brace hurts or if it looks like the brace or padding causes chafing. It may be time to replace the brace or check the padding in the brace.

Is night bracing as effective as full-time bracing?

Night braces are stiff braces that work with gravity to correct the curve in your child’s spine. They’re an option if your child can’t tolerate daytime bracing.