Originally posted by Pooka1
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Of course, you have to decide what's best based on the data there is - and your own feelings.
It sounds like your daughter's curve is well balanced, and it IS amazing how well one can hide. Mine was ±53° at surgery, and everyone who saw my x-rays (including people who'd seen me in a swimsuit) were stunned. I had compensatory cervical and lumbar curves.
I do find it extremely contradictory the ortho told you bracing a high curve like hers and bracing at her Risser would likely be ineffective, but then said it's "risky to do nothing". There are no other treatment choices (I hope she needs neither) an ortho would prescribe under the scenario outside bracing and surgery: I'd have to push him some more on that. What exactly is he saying?
You said you're "thinking of getting the brace" ... which brace? You've mentioned Spinecor a few times: Spinecor is not well suited for her type of curve and maturity.
If he's saying the upper end of her curve is likely too high to respond to bracing, I'd think if he DID brace, she'd require a TLSO with superstructure (i.e., a Milwaukee). They're commonly recommended for curves that apex at or above T9 (to get an idea where this falls, the pre-op x-ray in my sig shows my curve ... with an apex at T9). Is he suggesting night bracing with a Milwaukee? I can't say that I've ever heard of one used like that under her circumstances.
There are bending braces specifically made for night time wear (the Providence and Charleston), that apply extra force against the curves, but again ... with a higher apex curve, her current degree and skeletal maturity, I don't know how effective they'd be.
Good luck on whatever you decide to do ...
Regards,
Pam
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