Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

clam shell brace

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • clam shell brace

    Hi Everyone,

    Did any of your kids get fitted for a clam-shell brace for after spinal fusion. Dr. Dormans believes it is a good protector and that she should try to wear it as much as possible. Nicole does not find it comfortable. Anyone know anything about this?
    Melissa
    From Bucks County, Pa., USA

    Mom to Matthew,19, Jessica, 17, and Nicole, 14
    Nicole had surgery with Dr. Dormans on 9/12/07 at Children's Hospital of Phila. She is fused T-2 - L-3

  • #2
    for how long?

    Comment


    • #3
      I am not really sure. We have our appt next week so I will be sure to ask. I think mostly in the first few weeks. It has nothing to do with fusion taking place, just sort of like a helmet for your head when riding a bike. Some kids like it when they are out because of the fear of someone bumping into them, etc.
      Melissa
      From Bucks County, Pa., USA

      Mom to Matthew,19, Jessica, 17, and Nicole, 14
      Nicole had surgery with Dr. Dormans on 9/12/07 at Children's Hospital of Phila. She is fused T-2 - L-3

      Comment


      • #4
        I think Dr. Dormans is just being ultra conservative with Nicole. Not many teens have post-op bracing. Clamshell braces are not too comfortable. It's hard to "wiggle" inside it to get comfortable. Maybe you could call the office and let them know she prefers to be out of the brace, and promises not to do anything risky? Worth a try... if not, good luck getting her to be comfy in it.
        Carmell
        mom to Kara, idiopathic scoliosis, Blake 19, GERD and Braydon 14, VACTERL, GERD, DGE, VEPTR #137, thoracic insufficiency, rib anomalies, congenital scoliosis, missing coccyx, fatty filum/TC, anal stenosis, horseshoe kidney, dbl ureter in left kidney, ureterocele, kidney reflux, neurogenic bladder, bilateral hip dysplasia, right leg/foot dyplasia, tibial torsion, clubfoot with 8 toes, pes cavus, single umblilical artery, etc. http://carmellb-ivil.tripod.com/myfamily/

        Comment


        • #5
          Alexander never had to wear a post-op brace. I know someone who had to wear a post-op brace because her lumbar curve wasn't fused during her surgery & the Dr. wanted to keep the curve as stable as possible. He was hoping the curve was compensatory & would straighten out after the surgery.

          I hope Nicole is feeling better now that she is at home...

          Take care,
          Laurie

          Mother of Alexander & Zachary:
          Alex is 16 years old and in the 11th grade. He has congenital scoliosis due to a hemivertebrae at T10. Wore a TLSO brace for 3 1/2 years. Pre-op curves were T45 & L65; curves post-op are approx. T31 & L34. Had a posterior spinal fusion from T8 to L3 on 7/12/07 at age 12. Doing great now in so many ways, but still working on improving posture.
          Zach is 13 years old and very energetic.

          Comment


          • #6
            I'm having surgery December 3rd, and they have said I will have a clam shell brace afterwards. What is it's function? and how do they decide who needs one and who does not?

            Thanks!
            2000 34*L/39*T
            2007 44*L/53*T

            12.3.07 Posterior Spinal Fusion T4-T12
            (initially planned T4-L1)
            12.18.07 11*L/10*T

            23 years old

            Comment


            • #7
              At my daughter's followup yesterday, she was told she may be put back in a boston brace. Her surgery was Aug 22, she was fused T2-T11, with her bottom curve left alone. Although it is now 25 degrees or so, (it had been 53), he thinks it may not be going to straighten out like we had hoped. It was thought to have been a compensating curve. He is just going to watch her closely for a few more months, before deciding if she needs the brace or not. He said it could be that she just needs a little more time to get her brain used to the new body---but if she needs the brace to help retrain her body he would use it. Very disappointing to her as she thought with the surgery she would not ever need a brace again. Had I read this post before the appointment, I would have asked about the clam shell, but, is it just to protect the kids, and not really pushing the curve in any direction anyways?

              Comment


              • #8
                clam shell

                my understanding (which is very elementary) is that it is to support the fusion as it heals, and also ensure you don't twist or bend rather than force the spine th straighten. I see an adult scoliosis specialist, and he seems to prefer it for most people after surgery. I'd love more information if anyone knows more...
                2000 34*L/39*T
                2007 44*L/53*T

                12.3.07 Posterior Spinal Fusion T4-T12
                (initially planned T4-L1)
                12.18.07 11*L/10*T

                23 years old

                Comment

                Working...
                X