It is a tough personnel decision to brace or not. I would submit that very few parents and not all orthopedic doctors have the current background knowledge to make an informed decision. I know for sure that I didn’t when confronted with the choice. I also know that as my understanding of the issues evolved, my views changed.
What else do we know?
- We know that bloodletting was the standard of care for many afflictions not too long ago
- We know that electrical stimulation was often used for scoliosis not too long ago
- We know that about 22% of braced kids go on to require surgery.
- We don’t know what percent of unbraced kids go on to require surgery.
- We know that a myriad of factors are involved which are related to progression (the main ones being menarchal status and curve amplitude at ‘presentation”)
- We know that a parents love and concern for their child may lean them towards bracing curves that have a low likelihood of progression.
- We know that wearing a brace can be a very difficult burden for a child.
- We know that there is lots of money involved, both in promoting surgery and in promoting bracing.
- We know the vast majority of practitioners, from conservative providers to surgeons are motivated not by money but by their desire to help children and often have strong opposing views.
- We know there is still a lot to learn about scoliosis but parents are forced into making difficult decisions today with limited knowledge
What else do we know?
- Sharon loves horses and has a soft spot in her heart for elephants
- Pam’s son is serving our country (God bless him)
- Christine’s daughter has had phenomenal results with the SpineCor
- Dingo is one smart dude who looks at issues with fresh eyes
- Linda has her hands full here and
- I am a concerned dad
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