Madie Sucess Story - Scoliosis Specialists

Madie Beats Scoliosis With SpineCor

To say that Madie is thrilled with the SpineCor Brace is an understatement. After all, when Madie and her concerned parents came to us, she had a 48 degree curve with several high-growth years ahead of her. Like most children, Madie was non-compliant with the Boston brace because it was uncomfortable and bulky. During that time, Madie’s curve progressed 7 degrees.

In 2012, 7-year-old Madie was referred to Dr. Tom Pappas with Scoliosis Specialists in Chicago by surgeons at St. Justine’s Children’s Hospital in Montreal. She brought her x-ray taken a year prior at 41 degrees. She was fitted with the SpineCor brace in order to correct what had progressed to a 48 degree scoliosis curve.

Dr. Rivard and Dr. Colliard in Montreal recognized the necessity for conservative management. Madie was too young for surgery, which was recommended, and the rigid brace would have led to that. Wearing a rigid brace for 7 years or for any amount of time during adolescent growth and development usually has a bad outcome. "It was crucial that Madie was fitted with a brace that would fit her active lifestyle and be comfortable for her so that she would wear it as prescribed, and allow for neuromuscular development.” said Dr. Pappas. "Madie could not stand the Boston brace and we saw improvement almost immediately with the SpineCor brace."

Madie's Results

: Patient’s recommendation

: Madie’s X-Ray at original diagnosis

: July 2012 Curve reduced 18 degrees

: X-Ray at 11.5 degrees on August 2013

: April 2015, curve at 2 degrees.

In Madie’s case, the SpineCor Brace was the ideal solution for her to correct her curve and avoid spinal fusion surgery – the path her orthopedist had put her on after initially diagnosing her at a 41 degree curve and prescribing the rigid Boston Brace. The Boston Brace was not a solution for several of reasons. Primarily, Madie eventually refused to wear it because of how uncomfortable and embarrassing it is for a pre-teen to wear. Secondly, she was at the beginning of a high-growth phase, which would mean that the brace would fit only briefly, compromising its effectiveness. Finally, the Boston brace would not allow for Madie to engage in activities, such as sports and exercise – which would also contribute to muscle atrophy. This could destabilize her spine-supporting muscles and lead to an increased curvature. The dynamic (flexible) SpineCor Brace, conversely allows for full range of motion and is much more comfortable to wear. Furthermore, she could wear SpineCor under her clothing. “Research has proven that full time decompression of scoliosis through bracing is the only treatment that can work in growing children. We can help these children with Spinecor bracing because not only can it help larger curves as shown in this case, but it can be prescribed for smaller curves in younger patients where the typical protocol would be to wait and see. That is not a treatment direction we recommend and fortunately no longer have to follow