Sometimes when a scoliosis curve presents as one large curve and a smaller second curve, we need to temporarily ignore the smaller curve so we can maximize correction of the bigger curve. Sometimes the secondary curve is a smaller structural curve but often the smaller curve is compensatory and will not progress independently of the primary curve. A detlaied nalysis of the x-ray and the Asymmetrical Trunk rotation is needed to determine the risks of progression. For example, prior to bracing, Angie had a 36 degree primary lumbar with an 18 degree secondary thoracic curve. Now in her initial in ..read more

Schroth is a combination of exercises used to halt scoliosis curve progression, eliminate pain, and improve posture. This in combination with our L.A. 3D Brace can be very beneficial but can not correct the spine in fully developed adults. The Schroth exercise consist of stretching, strengthening, and breathing techniques, which can be done at home and as a part of your daily life. Find out more about the Schroth Method here, The Schroth Method – Scoliosis Exercises The post Schroth Exercise for Scoliosis appeared first on LA Scoliosis Brace ..read more

Valley Orthopedic technology now allows our patients to schedule their own follow up appointments online at Valleyot.com/schedule. Once you have completed your evaluation appointment with us, we will give you your VOT patient ID number in order for you to book your Scoliosis, Pectus, or AFO appointment online. Our online scheduler will allow you to choose your office location closest to you, type of service, and day and time of appointment. We currently have three different locations located in California. We have an office in Van Nuys, Duarte, and Long Beach. Please call to set up your evalua ..read more

The LA brace normally requires 3 visits. During the evaluation appointment we review your history, x-rays, and physical spine alignment. At this appointment we take necessary measurements to process your AGP data file in order to physically create and model your brace. Second visit is the fitting of your LA 3D Brace. We will fit the brace and discuss the recommended wearing schedule. Third visit, you return with your brace for review of your progress and to make further adjustments to the brace. With that being said, we do offer special services to accommodate our “out of town” clients. Ou ..read more

Doctors say that it is impossible for a brace to treat curves over 45 degrees. Annie had a 50-degree lumbar scoliosis. Normally her only option would be spinal fusion surgery. Instead she was fit with the LA 3D Brace and after only 4 weeks her curve has reduced to 13 degrees! With a little fine tuning we strongly believe that we can get her curve down to under 10 degrees. If she continues to wear her brace full time for a year she will likely be cured of her scoliosis. Thanks to the LA 3D ‘Impossible’ Brace! The post Is the LA 3D Brace the Impossible Brace? appeared first on LA Scoliosis Brac ..read more

A Study in Spine by Martin et.al. examined risk factors associated with 30-day and 90-day unplanned hospital re-admissions after pediatric spinal deformity surgery. 1. The 30-day readmission rate was 4.7 percent and the 90-day re-admission rate was 6.1 percent. 2. Infections were the most common reason for re-admissions, accounting for 38 percent of the 30-day re-admissions and 33 percent of the 90-day re-admissions. Wound-dehiscence accounted for 19 percent of the 30-day re-admissions and 17 percent of the 90-day re-admissions. 3. Pulmonary complications accounted for 12 percent of 30-day re ..read more

In a study published in Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery February 2017 by Watanabe, K et. al., reviewed 2,600 Japanese female junior high school students who’s screening indicated possible scoliosis. AIS was shown to be associated with classical ballet training. The odds of AIS developing increased as the child’s frequency of ballet training, number of years of experience, and duration of training in ballet increased. The Odds Ratio for AIS was also 1.5 times higher for participants whose mothers had scoliosis. According to Erin Myers in Dance Magazine, “Starting ballet at a young age, inc ..read more

In addition to the different types/classifications, scoliosis varies by its size and treatment options differ according to the size of the curve. This is why it is important to know both the type/pattern of scoliosis AND the size of the curve in determining appropriate treatment. What is the biggest curve that can be corrected with a brace? In my previous statement I specified that 55 degree curves were not braceable. In practice, it is not quite as simple as this. Some large curves are more correctable than others, hence some curves of 45 degrees are not braceable and some curves of 55 degr ..read more

An adolescent’s growth is not uniform with time so the time taken to outgrow a brace can vary. During the adolescent growth spurt a child can grow up to 4 inches in one year, at other times growth can be as little as 1 inch in a year. A Boston type brace that relies heavily upon symmetrical compression and a very tight fitting waist area will typically last between 6 months and 15 months. An LA brace which has pressures and voids and relies less on compression will usually last longer, from 9 months to 18 months. In addition growth is not proportional within the body and a child can change nom ..read more

New study from Ohrt-Nissen et. al. in Spine Journal looked at results of 63 patients fitted with a night time only and compared results based upon patient’s flexibility. Study shows night-time only bracing to be ineffective with a 43% progression rate and a 37% surgery rate. Study also found a statistically significant difference between increased flexibility and decreased risk of progression. This study ties in with other studies that clearly show a correlation between brace success and time wearing the brace with optimum results been achieved when the brace is worn at least 21.5 hours/day ..read more