Scoliosis: Therapy

Medical aids

Indications

  • All-day corset: idiopathic scoliosis with the range of curvature at a Cobb angle of lumbar 15-30° and thoracic 20-45° (50°).
  • Night corset: juvenile and adolescent scoliosis with rapidly progressive, low-grade, flexible curvatures (< 20° Cobb).
  • Part-time corset and positioning shell: infantile scoliosis to estimate curve progression.

Patients benefit from brace therapy:

  • With adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (see above).
  • Who are in Risser stage 0 to 2 [ossification begins from laterally at the time of the largest growth spurt (Risser stage I); see skeletal maturity determination]
  • With a curve expression between 25 and 40 degrees.
  • With idiopathic scoliosis over 45 degrees, still growing and refusing surgery.

Further notes

  • Leg length compensation (for moderate leg length difference between 2-5 cm):
    • Wedge-shaped inserts in the heel area (compensation up to 2 cm).
    • Sole elevation in closed shoes (compensation up to 5 cm).

    Note: compensation should be made to a residual difference: Residual difference at growth age: 1 cm; after growth completion 2 cm.

Sports Medicine

Physical therapy (including physiotherapy)

For therapy and prevention of secondary diseases must be regular physiotherapy. This always includes appropriate respiratory gymnastics.Especially three-dimensional scoliosis treatment according to K. Schroth is recommended.

Conservative scoliosis treatment is indispensable and should be started with mild deformities (Cobb angle < 20 degrees).

Basically, additional sports should be done.

Without adapted therapy, there is constant progression (progression) of scoliosis with progressive inclination of the spine.

In addition, in some cases the fitting of a corset may be necessary for affected persons who are still growing. It is to be worn 23 hours a day.

Training

  • Back school or back exercises