During the first appointment (which typically takes 60-90 minutes) we will take a brief medical history and assess the flexibility of the spine.
A clinical postural assessment will be done, evaluating your child’s shoulders, scapula, waist and hips. A comprehensive set of clinical photographs, measurements and a 3D body scan will be done.
Children who are not suited to scanning (those who are unable to remain still for 8 seconds, or those who are unable to sit or stand upright) may have a plaster mould done instead.
We advise that both girls and boys wear tight-fitting undergarments as this improves the quality of images taken.
Long hair should be tied up as the neck and shoulder region should be visible.
Tight leggings can be worn, but the waistband must sit flush against the body.
Once we receive a referral & x-rays and the funding pathway is established, we can allocate an appointment for assessment.
The brace takes approximately 4 weeks to design & manufacture. Your child will return for review 4-6 weeks after fitting, when the brace will be fine-tuned.
We will then refer your child back to the orthopaedic consultant for an in-brace x-ray.
Bracing for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis typically begins during adolescence and continues until the child completes their growth.
For girls, this is usually 18 months to two years after the start of menstruation, but the final decision will be made based on an examination of the growth plates on x-ray.
Patients diagnosed with infantile (0- 3yrs), or juvenile (3-9yrs) scoliosis can expect a much longer course of treatment.
This depends on growth! Our primary objective is to keep patients in a brace that fits and functions well.
The typical lifespan of a brace is 12 to 16 months, but the brace may last for a longer or shorter time.
It is important for children with scoliosis to stay active, and they may participate in sports, PE, and extracurricular activities.
In most cases, we encourage patients to have regular out-of-brace time for sports activities.
We will provide you with 4 special vests to be worn under the brace.
They are snug-fitting, seamless and provide a protective interface between the body and the brace.
Bras can be worn underneath the brace, but underwire bras are not recommended.
They are available to purchase at Orthotic Solutions.
If your child has a full medical card (GP only card is not valid) we will apply to the HSE for funding of the brace through the medical card.
If your child does not have a medical card but is referred from a public clinic in CHI or National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh (NOHC), the cost of the brace will be covered by the hospital.
If your child is referred by a private clinic, the cost of the brace will be covered by the hospital to whom the surgeon is affiliated publicly. (This currently only applies to CHI & NOHC surgeons).
Yes, you must be referred by an orthopaedic surgeon, or by someone acting on behalf of an orthopaedic surgeon.
Your brace will require some basic care and maintenance to keep it in the best condition possible.
Make sure the straps, hardware, and padding do not get wet to prevent damage or rusting.
You will also need to clean your brace weekly or as needed using a clean damp cloth or a little rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth.
Store your brace at a safe height when not in use—away from pets and toddlers.
General physiotherapy is usually not required; however Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis Specific Exercise (PSSE) is an evidence-based treatment and a great adjunct to bracing.
It is generally recommended for children from the age of 10, however younger children may also benefit.
Make sure you choose a physiotherapist trained in PSSE, we can advise if required.
The decision to stop bracing is made when your child’s skeleton has matured and is no longer growing,
This decision is made based on an examination of the growth plates on x-ray and the timing is different for each child. It is important that the brace is not stopped suddenly.
We recommend a gradual weaning process so the body can slowly get used to not having the support of the brace. Once daytime weaning is complete, the brace will be worn at night for about 6 months.
It is important to tell your Orthotist once you have been advised to stop wearing the brace, as they will work out a schedule for reducing the time in brace gradually.