SpineCor - Paediatric Scoliosis Brace  
     
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  About SpineCor System  
     
     
     
 

Components

The SpineCor Dynamic Corrective Brace is made up of two components:

The first component consists of the pelvic base, the crotch bands and the thigh bands. Its role is to act as an anchoring point and support for the actions applied to the patient's trunk by the elastic bands. When the pelvic base is stable, traction by the elastic bands is provided along the stable lines. The flexible nature of the pelvic section of the brace permits free movements of the trunk and engagement of the pelvis in the corrective movement.

The second component consists of the bolero and the corrective elastic bands. Its function is directly related to the active principle of the dynamic corrective brace. It allows a custom fitting of the brace aimed at modifying the postural geometry of the moving spinal column. The different lengths of corrective elastic bands allows for many possibilities in brace adjustment for an optimal corrections.

The use of a bodysuit under the brace is advised:

For hygienic reasons; it will help to keep the brace cleaner for longer

To add comfort; it will provide a barrier between the brace and your body, reducing the likelihood of the brace rubbing.

To facilitate going to the toilet; you only need to detach the snaps of the crotch bands and those of the bodysuit, avoiding removal of the brace.

 
 
 
 
 

Corrective Movements

The corrective elastic bands of different length allow for many possibilities in brace adjustment for an optimal correction. Overall, there are 4 major ways to fit the corrective bands, corresponding to the thoracic, thoracolumbar, lumbar and double scoliosis. The 4 major ways are detorsion, tilt, lateral flexion and lateral shift. The SpineCor Assistant Software provides the guidelines for the choice of the bands and snaps.

  
     
Class: High Thoracic Curves
  
Class: Thoracic Curves
Correction: Tilt of the shoulders
  
Correction: Detorsion between shoulders and thorax
 
 
 
 
 

SpineCor Assistant Software

SAS Screenshot1The SpineCor Assistant Software (SAS) was developed to assist doctors, orthotists and physiotherapists using SpineCor to accurately classify the patient's specific curve type and choose the correct brace fitting.

The software also allow for easy patient data collection and storage essential to effective management of the patient's condition.

In addition to being user friendly, another important characteristic of the SAS is that all information related to patient's files and examinations is kept in a database compatible with Microsoft Access and is therefore, easily accessible.
 
 
 
 
 

Treatment Protocol

Evaluation

Before brace fitting, the following evaluations will be performed:

Clinical Evaluation - Evaluation will be conducted on your growth pattern and any postural abnormalities.

Radiological Evaluation - A radiological study is needed to evaluate the type of curve and its potential of progression. The x-rays required for this study are the following:

  • Frontal x-ray
  • Lateral x-ray
  • Supine x-ray (optional)

Note: All x-rays used for this study should have been done recently (a maximum of 1 month old) in order to have accurate information to evaluate the scoliosis curve.

The data resulting from the clinical and radiological exams are entered in the SpineCor Assistant Software, which will provide information to fit the brace correctly.

 

Brace Fitting

Once the brace is fitted, it is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the brace fitting performing the following exams:

Clinical Evaluation in Brace

Radiological Evaluation in Brace - 1 new frontal x-ray in brace is required to confirm the result.

At the end of the visit, all patients/parents will be shown how to perform their specific Corrective Movement and shown how to correctly fit the brace, maintaining an optimal corrective movement position, and how to take it off. Patients/parents should demonstrate by fitting the brace independently 2 – 3 times that they fully understand the correct fitting procedure. Each patient is provided with a Patient Manual with the instructions to fit the brace correctly and indications for its correct maintenance.

 

Follow-up Visits

Patients will be asked to visit regularly their bracing practitioner (doctor, orthotist or therapist) along the duration of the treatment for regular readjustments of the brace and to control the evolution of the curve.

 
 
 
 
 

Treatment Duration

The SpineCor® brace is worn for 20 hours per day. The 4-hour out of the brace period should be taken in two or more intervals during the least active part of the day. The brace MUST be worn while sleeping.

Average treatment duration for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is 26 months. Bracing is not weaned before the following criteria are satisfied:

1. Risser 4+
2. 24 months post menarche
3. Minimum brace wearing duration of 18 months
4. With Brace and Without Brace x-rays show the same or very similar Cobb angles (5° or less difference)

Providing the above criteria are met, the patient should have developed a neuromuscular integration of the corrective movement strategy to maintain a stabile curve. Long term 5 year post treatment studies show 93% of cases do not increase their Cobb angles from the point of weaning.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

  
 
 
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