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View our privacy policyFlo’s growth spurt caused her small scoliosis curve to become much bigger in a short space of time before seeking bracing treatment at LOC.
When Flo was 12, her mum Vicky noticed that she had asymmetrical hips that did not match. She didn’t think much more about it until her own mother said, “Have you seen her back?” after noticing a little curve in her lower spine.
Vicky, who is a mental health nurse, immediately sent off a photo to the family GP and Flo was referred to Evelina Children’s Hospital in October 2021 which confirmed a diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. ‘Idiopathic’ meaning there is no known cause. At that time, Flo’s Cobb angle (which is a measure of the degree of spinal curve) was 16 degrees.
A Cobb angle between 10 to 20 degrees is considered mild scoliosis. When the Cobb angle ranges from 20 to 40 degrees it is described as moderate and anything above 40 degrees is considered severe.
Before and after images show Flo’s x-rays from the start of her treatment (left) and at the end of her treatment with her first brace (right). Both x-rays are taken out of brace.
The hospital advised taking a ‘wait and see approach,’ as Flo was just outside the Scoliosis Research Society’s bracing criteria guidelines. But Vicky was worried, “Flo was going through a tremendous growth spurt, and I just knew that her curve would get worse”.
Since a young child’s skeletal system is still developing and can undergo significant growth spurts during puberty, their scoliosis has the potential to drastically increase during these periods of rapid growth. And the more a child grows, the higher the likelihood that their spinal curve will worsen. It was around this time that Vicky contacted LOC and had an initial virtual consultation with Anna Courtney, LOC’s scoliosis lead, in October 2021.
Vicky recalls: “Anna has been amazing; she was always available to talk to me even before Flo was a patient. It was very useful to have her as a sounding board as I continued to battle with the hospital to prescribe Flo a brace. My worst fears were confirmed when her next scan showed her Cobb angle had increased to 24 degrees and that was in just three months.”
The hospital continued to refuse to brace Flo, but mum Vicky was concerned and booked her a face-to-face appointment with Anna in March 2022. By that time, Flo’s Cobb angle had increased to 34.3 degrees. At LOC we are extremely aware of how time sensitive non-surgical treatment for scoliosis is. Flo’s bespoke LOC scoliosis brace was fitted just a week later.
Flo continued to be in the care of the Hospital and at her next appointment Vicky was told by the spinal surgeon that the Cobb angle had been reduced to 22.4 degrees. During the appointment, they admitted that Vicky had been correct in sticking to her guns and insisting on going down the bracing route.
Vicky concludes “My obvious, only regret is that I didn’t start bracing with LOC earlier.”
Some mild cases of scoliosis may self-correct as a child grows, but this is not always the case with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. However, it is important that any existing curvature is monitored closely to check progression, particularly during rapid growth spurts during puberty.
If you think your child may have scoliosis but are not sure what to do, we can provide clinical assessments and refer your child for any necessary x-rays or scans required. These scans help us determine the progression factor, which is the incidence of progression of untreated idiopathic scoliosis according to the formula by Lonstein and Carlson (see graph below). It can help us determine the recommended treatment for each patient. The skeletal maturity and age of the individual also affects the recommended treatment plan.
As Flo’s case proves, scoliosis can progress quickly while the skeleton is still growing or during hormonal changes so if you are concerned about your child, please contact us.
We offer a free initial online scoliosis appointment for those seeking scoliosis advice and treatment. This initial free virtual consultation is carried out through Skype, Facetime or Zoom.
This gives you the opportunity to talk directly to one of our specialist clinicians about your child’s scoliosis. During this 15-minute appointment, your clinician will be able to answer any detailed questions or concerns you might have prior to booking a face-face assessment with us.
If your child has recently been diagnosed with scoliosis or you think they are showing signs of the condition, please get in touch to book an appointment today.
We’ve Got Your Back – Embracing Scoliosis Awareness Month at LOC
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A bespoke brace can help reduce the risk of progression during growth and support curve management as part of a wider care plan. Our brace works by gently guiding your spine into a more corrective in-brace position, with follow-up and adjustments to support fit and comfort.
“LOC has been fantastic, friendly, understanding. Anna did not pull any punches about the wearing regime and gave us all the information we needed. Polly was in her brace for less than two years. LOC has provided a really incredible service.”
Zoe, Polly’s mother – Scoliosis patient (adolescent)
We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, with no commitment to proceed with treatment.
You can book a range of assessment and review appointments online, depending on the service and location that you require. If a specific appointment type is unavailable online, please contact LOC directly on [email protected] or you can call us. Unfortunately we are unable to offer fittings online at the moment.
Yes, if your previous orthotist offers online booking and has availability, you can choose to book with them again.
Please check your spam or junk folder first. If you still haven’t received a confirmation within 10 minutes, contact LOC Admin to confirm your booking via [email protected]
Yes. You can book on behalf of someone else. Please ensure the registration form includes the details of the person attending the appointment.
No account is required. Our booking process allows you to book as a guest. However, you will be asked to enter key details and complete required forms.
Most orthotic treatments are available online. If the treatment you’re looking for is not listed, please contact us directly and LOC Admin will assist you.
