
Originally Posted by
JeanZ
My son was braced for 8 years in a Boston brace, from 8 years to 16 years old. His curve progressed altogether from about 27 deg to 41 deg, and he did not need surgery. He was fairly compliant with wearing it, at least 18 hours/day. It did seem like the time when he needed a new brace was the time that he was without a brace that fit, which is probably also the time that the brace is supposed to be needed the most. Once, by the time we measured and received the brace 4 weeks later, he already outgrew it. What a trooper he was - no complaints during all those years! I do wonder sometimes if he did not wear a brace, if he still would not need surgery? One doctor told us that there is a blood test that is being worked on that will basically be able to tell if a person is susceptible to the curve getting worse or not - bracing or no bracing.
Hi Jean...
The test to which you're referring is probably ScoliScore. You can read about it HERE. Unfortunately, it applies to only a small percentage of patients (Caucasian males and females with curves between 10-25 degrees and ages 9-13.) For those who fall in the zone, and who score either high or low, it can be an incredibly useful tool in terms of potentially eliminating the need for bracing.
I hope your son's curve continues to be stable.
Regards,
Linda
Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation