Orange County COASTAL SCOLIOSIS CENTER

A comprehensive center for non-operative treatment of scoliosis in Orange County

SCOLIOSIS

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. About 10% of the population has small curves (less than 10 degrees), which are not symptomatic. Those with a curvature over 10 degrees are considered to have scoliosis. These curves most commonly occur during the patient’s growth spurt just before puberty. Approximately 3% of adolescents have scoliosis.

The most common form of scoliosis affecting children is idiopathic scoliosis. This type of scoliosis typically presents during adolescence, but it can also start earlier in childhood or infancy. The exact causes of idiopathic scoliosis are currently unknown. Some research indicates genetics are involved, however other factors are also likely involved and continue to be studied.

HOW DO WE TREAT SCOLIOSis?

Bracing: Does it Work?

For patients with scoliosis in Orange County who are still growing, if a curve reaches 25 degrees, there is a high likelihood that the curve will continue to worsen. Scientific studies have shown that wearing a brace can reduce the chances of curve progression. The Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) recommends bracing for patients with a curve between 25 degrees and 50 degrees, or for curves under 25 degrees but have shown 5 degrees of progression over the past year.

And braces have been proven to stop curve progression. A 2013 study showed that the more hours a day a child wears a brace, the less the spine curvature worsens. While wearing the brace a minimum of 13 hours per day showed positive results, ideal results occurred at over 20 hours per day.

Rigo Cheneau Brace

At the Coastal Scoliosis Center in orange County, we primarily use the Rigo Cheneau brace. The Rigo Cheneau brace is designed to address the 3D nature of scoliosis. Areas of pressure are applied through the brace to derotate and realign the spinal curvatures, while simultaneously elongating the spine while its worn. Research has shown the Rigo Cheneau brace to be superior to standard Boston-style braces in several aspects, including preventing patients from undergoing surgery.

Our braces are custom made to each patient based on their clinical presentation. Just as each patient is unique, so is each brace. We use advanced technology, including 3D scanning and CAD-CAM manufacturing, throughout our development and manufacturing. All of our braces are designed in-house by our scoliosis specialist, Stephen Gaw, which required specialized training and hundreds of previous patients to perfect. This allows to us control every aspect of the design and manufacturing of each brace, to ensure top quality and care.

Schroth Physical Therapy

Schroth Physical Therapy has been shown to have positive effects on scoliosis curves, when used in conjuction with Rigo Cheneau bracing. The Schroth exercises are designed to address all of the abnormal curvatures in the spine with a variety of means, including breathing, muscle manipulation, stretching, and posture exercises. For your convenience, Coastal Scoliosis Center offers in-house Schroth Certified Physical Therapy. Therefore, we can take care of all your bracing and therapy needs in one location.

BRACING RESULTS

 

Here is a sample of our patients, with x-rays taken before bracing, in-brace, and 6-18 months after bracing begins. All of the follow up x-rays were taken at least 24 hours out of brace to ensure accuracy. The majority of these patients also participate in Schroth therapy, either at our in-house therapist or at an outside facility.

01AK, 14 year old famale

Before Bracing

In Brace
55% and 63% Correction

6 months later without Brace
25% and 11% Correction

02RB, 11 year old famale

Before Bracing

In Brace
95% and 86% Correction

6 months later without Brace
68% and 58% Correction

03KF, 6 year old famale (Early Onset Scoliosis)

Before Bracing

In Brace
84% Correction

6 months later without Brace
60% Correction

04DM, 14 year old male

Before Bracing

In Brace
100% Correction

6 months later without Brace
24% Correction

05EG, 15 year old female

Before Bracing

In Brace
91% Correction

6 months later without Brace
24% Correction

06IP, 13 year old female

Before Bracing

In Brace
97% Correction

6 months later without Brace
62% Correction

07DM, 11 year old female

Before Bracing

In Brace
81% Correction

6 months later without Brace
64% Correction

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