The Use of Dynamic Lycra Orthosis in the Treatment of Scoliosis

Abstract

Treatment of scoliosis has been under discussion in relation to surgical intervention since the Boston brace was presented by Hall in 1976(Hall et al. 1976Watts et al. 1977). The effects of rigid bracing on thoracic skeletal integrity and the possible deformation of ribs due to the high localized pressure due to prolonged wear (Biorthex 1999;Coillard et al. 1999) have been highlighted. The lack of compliance (Houghton et al. 1987) has encouraged clinicians to investigate other options for non-surgical treatment. The Spinecor and Triac bracing systems have been developed as a result of this research; however, both of these orthoses had been designed with idiopathic scoliosis in mind. Little research has been done into the effects of bracing on the neuropathic curve. The use of dynamic Lycra 1 garments in the treatment of neurological scoliosis offers the advantage of deformity correction without the bulk and discomfort of rigid braces. Recent clinical experience has shown that the Lycra 1 suits have a positive effect in the treatment of scoliosis. This study discusses the treatment of a child presenting with a spinal tumour and although not truly of neurological presentation indicates that the garment can be used for the different scoliotic presentations.

Does stabilizing input pressure orthosis vest, lycra-based compression orthosis, improve trunk posture and prevent hip lateralization in children with cerebral palsy?

“…[8,9] It has been also shown that the use of dynamic lycra-based orthosis is helpful to inhibit progression of the curve in a neuromuscular scoliosis case. [12] Although its effect on hip lateralization has not been well-established, yet, less hip adduction with a symmetric sitting position has been observed on a quadriplegic cerebral palsy case. [13] In recent years, many studies have reported an increased use of lycra-based compression garments; [6,8,9,12,13] however, there is a limited number of studies on the effectiveness of these garments on the trunk posture and hip lateralization.…”

“…[12] Although its effect on hip lateralization has not been well-established, yet, less hip adduction with a symmetric sitting position has been observed on a quadriplegic cerebral palsy case. [13] In recent years, many studies have reported an increased use of lycra-based compression garments; [6,8,9,12,13] however, there is a limited number of studies on the effectiveness of these garments on the trunk posture and hip lateralization. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the SPIO vest on trunk posture and hip lateralization when used in combination with conventional exercise therapy in children with CP.…”

Does rigid bracing provide the best outcome for children with neurological onset scoliosis?

“…Clinically the scoliosis clinic at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital has seen a declining number of children referred for scoliosis surgical management over the last ten years due to early intervention. The DEFO scoliosis suits appear to work by providing heightened proprioceptive input to the brain coupled with dynamic corrective forces to correct and re- align the spinal segments[3]. The DEFO suit provides a cosmetic orthosis capable of providing a continuous low level dynamic force capable of re-educating the brain to accept an improved posture.…”

The Use of a Dynamic Elastomeric Fabric Orthosis in Supporting the Management of Athletic Pelvic and Groin Injury

“…Dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses (DEFO's) are a recent advancement in orthotics; increasingly used in the management of neurological (7), and musculoskeletal conditions (8).…”