Researchers used a three-point pressure spinal orthosis made of fabric material in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis and a flexible spinal curve to evaluate the in-brace correction of the spinal curve and to estimate changes in pulmonary function associated with brace wearing. They concluded that in children with flaccid-type neuromuscular scoliosis, curve correction can be achieved without compromising lung function.
Twenty-eight children with neuromuscular scoliosis and a spinal curve flexibility of more than 50 percent were enrolled. A custom-made three-point pressure spinal orthosis was fitted for each patient. The Cobb angles in sitting and supine positions, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second, and peak cough flow were measured before and after applying spinal orthoses. Each participant recorded his or her brace-wearing duration, and questionnaires on brace tolerance were collected.
The results indicated that Cobb angles after application of the orthosis decreased from 31 degrees to 16.6 degrees in the sitting position and from 13.3 degrees to 1.4 degrees while supine. Pre-orthosis and post-orthosis application demonstrated that forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second, and peak cough flow were unaffected. Caregivers reported improved sitting postures and manual activities.
The study, Application of Fabric-Type Spinal Orthosis for Flexible Neuromuscular Scoliosis, was published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
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