New Technology vs. Old Technology

By Dr. Brian Ouellette, D.C.

   For years, rigid bracing (body casting) was the treatment of choice for Scoliosis. This treatment, even though unsuccessful in the correction of the scoliotic spine is still used today. Rigid bracing uses a 3 point pressure system. Pressure is put at the top of the curve, the bottom of the Curve and at the apex. The patient is then squeezed into this cast in hopes of stopping progression of the curve.

    Unfortunately, there are many problems associated with this type of treatment.

1.      Muscle atrophy- The rigid brace inhibits movement and physical activity.

2.      Compliance- The rigid brace is difficult to wear and uncomfortable.

3.      Psychological effects- Embarrassing to wear to school.

4.      Inhibits growth- The only way for a scoliosis to improve is to grow out.

5.      2 dimensional- Rigid bracing is a 2 dimensional treatment for a 3 dimensional problem.

New Technology

Two orthopedic surgeons, Drs. Rivard and Collaird, developed the first and ONLY flexible brace for the correction of idiopathic scoliosis. The Spinecor Brace is a dynamic brace which treats the scoliosis in ALL three dimensions.

The SpineCor treatment approach targets the four key progression factors of idiopathic scoliosis. Each patient has a postural disorganization, asymmetrical growth of the vertebra, a genetic spinal deformation and a neuromuscular dysfunction. Being able to treat all of these key factors makes it possible to reduce and stabilize the scoliosis in 89% of cases.

This NEW TECHNOLOGY offers an answer to all the problems associated with rigid bracing. The SpineCor brace allows for movement and encourages normal activities and sports, its easily worn underneath the patient’s clothing which aids in compliance and psychological effects, it promotes growth by creating movement and it treats the rotation and torsion in the spine as well as the lateral curvature.

Comparison Studies

SCOLIOSIS CURVE                    TSLO     PROVIDENCE      SPINECOR

Correction/stabilization            15%          31%                      59%

Progression  over6 degrees     85%          69%                      41%

Progression over 45%              56%          45%                       1%

Progression to surgery             79%           60%                      23%

*Patients included in these studies range from 20 degrees- 50 degrees and Risser 0-3 or pre-menarche. Therapeutic success is defined according to the SRS definitionsas either improvement (Cobb reduction of 6 degrees or greater) and stabilization ( Cobb increase of up to 5 degrees).