Originally posted by rohrer01
View Post
As most of you know, when a child wears the Spinecor brace, for some reason only in-brace x-rays are taken. I’ve heard the explanation given for why this is done but it makes no sense to me; and most reputable pediatric orthopedic specialists would agree that in order for an accurate measurement of any curve to be obtained, one’s brace needs to be off for a minimum of 24 hours.
But this mom, a good mom, trusted in what she was told and wanted to avoid any surgery whatsoever for her daughter, an understandable stance.
The child wore the Spinecor brace for a few years, and at each visit only in-brace x-rays were taken. The numbers may have fluctuated slightly but generally the in-brace x-rays showed a slight improvement (maybe 26 one time, 25 the next, etc.). Then at one visit the number crept up a little, over 30, and mom finally decided to take her daughter for an out of brace x-ray and get another opinion (at CHOP I believe).
The child’s curve measured in the 50’s and she ended up needing, and having, fusion. I can’t tell you how distraught mom was. I remember her calling me on the phone crying, blaming herself for the fact that her daughter now had only one option – fusion.
I’m not bashing Spinecor or blaming anyone for their decisions about their children, but I think this is an example of what Rohrer was trying to say…..
Leave a comment: