Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis is classically defined as scoliosis that is first diagnosed between the ages of 4 and 10. This category comprises about 10% to 15% of all idiopathic scoliosis in children. At the younger end of the spectrum, boys are affected slightly more than girls and the curve is often left-sided. Towards the upper end of the age spectrum, the condition is more prevalent in girls and the curve tends to be right-sided. Children with juvenile scoliosis generally have a high risk of progression of their curve. Seven out of ten children with this condition will worsen and require active treatment with scoliosis bracing.
One of our juvenile scoliosis patients was two years old when we first braced her. The primary curve reduced from 44 to 27 degrees in 4 months. From left: first brace fitting, review of first brace and second brace fitting.
In juvenile scoliosis where there are curves between 10 and 25 degrees, Schroth physiotherapy may be able to make some correction or control the curve. However, once the curve is greater than 25 degrees it is usually too large for physiotherapy alone to manage and physio in conjunction with scoliosis bracing is recommended.
As with adolescent scoliosis, LOC treats juvenile scoliosis with an evidence-based treatment package which includes the Gensingen Brace by Dr Weiss® and Schroth physiotherapy. Depending on the age of the child parents may well need to help them follow their recommended postural activities. Once correction of the curve has been achieved scoliosis bracing may be discontinued for one or more years with a return to observation. As the child begins an adolescent growth spurt, he/she will likely be re-braced to maintain the previously achieved correction of the curve.
Juvenile scoliosis case study pre-Gensingen Brace by Dr Weiss® (left) and out of brace X-ray following six months of treatment.
The scans are from a three-year-old boy with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. He first came to us with a single thoracic curve and was hypermobile. He was fitted with a bespoke brace and had custom foot orthotics fitted to aid with his hypermobile pes planus (flat feet). Overall, he responded to bracing incredibly well.
The Gensingen Brace by Dr Weiss® is the first orthotic treatment for scoliosis that is evidence-based.
It is now recommended by scoliosis clinics around the world as the preferred alternative to surgery since it has been proven to reduce Cobb angles and improve posture.
Our bracing treatment can be combined with a comprehensive physiotherapy programme that adheres to the world-renowned Schroth Best Practice
Our treatment package price includes all reviews and on-site adjustments of the brace by our certified orthotists.
There may currently be cancellations or delays to your child’s spinal surgery for several reasons.
At LOC, we are here to assist where possible. We remain open in a COVID safe environment. Using our corrective bracing, we can halt progression of the curve, balance posture & reduce any back pain.
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