Scoliosis

Bracing
Bracing maybe used when the child is growing rapidly and the
curve is between 20 and 30 degrees. The purpose of bracing is
to control the curve and slow down further progression.
The brace most commonly prescribed in the clinic at Royal
Manchester Children’s Hospital is the Boston under arm brace.
Research has shown that this needs to be worn for 16 hours
per day if it is to be effective.
Brace treatment is not always effective but its effect can
sometimes be predicted by looking at X-rays taken in the
brace shortly after it has been fitted.
Surgery
Surgery is generally performed when it is thought that the
spinal curvature at skeletal maturity will be greater than 50
degrees. Surgery consists of straightening the spine and
performing a spinal fusion operation to hold it straight.
The type of surgery depends on the curve type.
Before surgery a magnetic resonance (MRI) scan will be
requested to examine the nerves in the spine.
6