A new corrective
brace for the abnormal curvature of the spine,
idiopathic scoliosis, now allows greater flexibility
and is well-received by patients. It is called
SpineCor and KKH is the first accredited treatment
centre in Asia for the innovation.
While very
mild cases of scoliosis require observation,
those that are more severe may need a back
brace to control its progression. Up to now,
this has been a rigid, custom-made Thoracolumbosacral
Orthosis (TLSO), worn under clothing, for
22 hours a day until the child reaches skeletal
maturity. Only those with very severe cases
need surgery.
“The
poor compliance with the TLSO forced us to
look for an alternative,” said Dr Kevin
Lim, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at KKH. “Many
of our patients are visibly upset at the
prospect of having to wear the TLSO. This
is not surprising as the brace is warm and
uncomfortable.” The SpineCor brace,
on the other hand, works on a different principle.
Comprising a series of straps and elastic
bands, it is worn discreetly under clothing.
Patients wearing the SpineCor can do sports
including gymnastics and ballet. The protocol
dictates that the brace is worn for a minimum
of 18 months.
Mr Satyaki
Sengupta, Chief Therapist of Rehabilitation
Department at KKH, who is also an accredited
SpineCor Physiotherapist said, “We
are providing a weekly clinic for patients
who opt for the SpineCor brace to reinforce
the corrective movements. Patients will also
learn how to keep the flexibility and strength
of the spine and trunk, which is essential
for maintaining a good posture after the
brace is removed.”
KKH’s
Rehabilitation Department also became the
first in Asia to be accredited as a SpineCor
Physiotherapy Centre.
Idiopathic
scoliosis is an abnormal three-dimensional
curvature of the spine. The incidence of
idiopathic scoliosis in Singapore is 2 -
3% and patients are usually thin, tall females.
Many cases are detected at school health
screenings and present between the ages of
10 and 14.
The response
from patients has been promising. Since its
introduction in mid-January 2009, 8 patients
have chosen the SpineCor brace over the TLSO.
One of KKH’s patients, Miss Loraine
Choo, 12, said, “Making the decision
was easy. The TLSO is hard and restricts
my movement. The SpineCor brace is soft and
comfortable. Though it took me a few days
to get used to it, I do not feel tightness
anymore now.” The best part is that
her classmates are not aware that she is
wearing a corrective brace!
(Source:
KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s
Newsletter – Special Delivery)
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