There may currently be cancellations or delays to your child’s spinal surgery for several reasons. At LOC, we are here to help where possible.
Using our hypercorrective scoliosis brace, we can halt the progression of the curve, balance posture and reduce any present back pain while you wait for surgery.
This can result in:
If clinical needs demand, we can manufacture bespoke braces rapidly for your child at our Kingston upon Thames clinic. You will need to bring in a copy of a recent x-ray for assessment. This can either be a digital copy, on a disc or a hard copy.
We’ve tailored a treatment plan for this patient group. Should you like any further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us using the form below or call LOC directly on 020 8974 9989.
The operation used to treat severe scoliosis curves is typically spinal fusion surgery; a major procedure that involves moving muscles and realigning the skeleton into place. The curved, deformed vertebrae are fused together into a single bone, putting metal screws and rods into the spine to help straighten it. Surgery typically lasts between 4 and 8 hours depending on the severity of the curve. Bone graft is then taken from other parts of the body and used to cover the implants.
Following the operation, it is necessary to spend around a week in intensive care before returning home and the first few days are often uncomfortable. Most adolescents can expect to return to school from 2-4 weeks following surgery, but pain medication may be required up to 6 weeks following. A full recovery from the procedure can take up to a year, as it can take that long for the spine to heal fully.
Spinal fusion surgery causes the fused portion of the back to become permanently stiff, as a result, returning to sports that require large amounts of flexibility (ballet, yoga, gymnastics, dance) or contact (rugby, football, karate, hockey) may take longer.
Risks of spinal fusion surgery are like that of any other major procedure and include infection, blood clots and anaesthesia complications. The added risks include permanent nerve damage to the spine and paralysis.
Apprentice orthotist Catherine Hendy’s journey into the world of prosthetics and orthotics began in an unconventional way. After completing a degree in art, she then trained as an orthotics technician, before taking up an apprenticeship to become a clinician. Now, she’s been nominated for the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) Student of the Year 2024.
Amelia was diagnosed with tightness in her neck by her GP before her plagiocephaly diagnosis. Clinician Jo Drake treated her with a LOCband Lite cranial remoulding helmet, which improved her overall head shape and asymmetry.
What are lower limb orthotics, and how can they improve mobility and reduce pain? We've put together this summary of the different kinds of lower limb orthotics, from AFOs and KAFOs to more complex orthotics like RGOs, and how they can help patients with their mobility goals.
Barney's very severe flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) and diagnosis of torticollis led to successful helmet therapy with the LOCband, significantly improving his head shape, going from 27mm asymmetry to 12mm.
“It’s life-changing, my swimming coach has even remarked what a difference my treatment has made" Read how pectus bracing treatment helped to correct Aris' complex chest deformity, involving a combination of pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum and rib flaring.
Cerebral palsy patient Lucas sees significant improvement in his walking after only six months in his new custom Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs), designed by Professor Saeed Forghany in our Manchester clinic. Hear how a detailed gait analysis and bespoke AFOs significantly improved Lucas's gait and comfort.
Freddie’s positional plagiocephaly was treated successfully with the LOCBand Lite, going from 11mm to 2mm after four months in his helmet.
Adult club foot (talipes) patient Natasha says, "I cannot stress how amazing my AFOs are and how they have changed so much for me. The support they give me allows me to walk without crutches outside the house for the first time in over fifteen years."
