Stage results of the use of orthoses in children after surgical treatment of congenital spine deformity (Preliminary report)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: After surgical treatment of congenital spinal deformities, we can see the progression of deformities of the spinal column segments free from metal structures, which leads to the need for reoperation. Without sufficient scientific evidence, several specialists after surgical treatment use various orthoses on the body to prevent scoliotic compensatory changes.
 AIM: This study aims to assess the results of body orthosis after surgical treatment of children with congenital spinal deformity with the impaired formation of the vertebrae, using orthoses, compensatory deformity after one year of treatment.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients aged 2 to 12 years (10 boys and 15 girls) after surgical treatment of congenital deformity of the spine in the thoracic regions (13) and lumbar regions (12), wearing body orthoses. The results were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months using thermal sensors for the orthosis wearing time by X-ray and statistical methods.
 RESULTS: After three months of wearing the brace, we saw a correction of about 50% of the value of the initial compensatory deformity. After six months, both thoracic and lumbar, the correction was 60%. After one year, when performing an X-ray image without an orthosis, in thoracic deformities without a brace, the correction stabilized and remained at the level of 40%. In lumbar deformities without a brace, the original deformity returned, i.e., the correction occurred but was not fixed without the orthosis. Only one of 25 patients (4%) required a second operation to increase the fixations duration.
 CONCLUSION: The results of observing a group of patients (25 children) for one year after surgical treatment of congenital spine deformity showed a positive effect of a functionally corrective orthosis on the body to correct secondary deformities.