Back brace
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Motion of the spine can often delay healing, especially in fractures or in post-operative fusions. Limiting the motion of the spine enhances the healing process and minimizes the patient's discomfort.
Three types of braces are typically used:
- Rigid brace
- These braces are form-fitting plastic molds that restrict motion by as much as 50%.
- Corset brace
- An elastic brace that limits forward motion of the spine is helpful in allowing fusions to set. This type of brace is also often worn by people with jobs that require heavy lifting to remind them of proper lifting technique.
[edit] Bracing for Scoliosis
Bracing works to stop the progression of the curvature in a growing child, so it is not typically used to treat scoliosis in adults or children who are already skeletally mature or almost mature.
There are several types of back braces commonly used to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Each of these braces is a rigid brace that works by putting pressure on an existing curvature to prevent its progression. The most commonly used form of the Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis (TLSO) brace is called the "Boston brace". This brace is made of molded plastic and generally is worn under clothing. The brace can be removed for sport activities during the day, but is typically worn at all other times, both waking and sleeping.
The Cervico-Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis brace (known as a Milwaukee brace)is similar to the TLSO brace in construction and use. This brace includes a neck ring attached to the body of the brace to support the cervical spine.
The Charleston brace is worn only at night while sleeping. This brace is typically molded to a patient bent to the side, which increases the pressure on the curvature. Many studies have shown that the Charleston nighttime brace is as effective in 8 hours as the others are in 23 hours. To have the Charleston brace be effective, the existing curvature must be in the 20 to 40 degree range and the apex of the curve needs to be below the level of the shoulder blade.
The SpineCor brace, is worn 20 hours a day. This brace is flexible. However, the Cobb angle of the spinal curvature must be between 15 and 50 degrees. Additionally, it is not as widely used as the others.
