Application of Fabric-Type Spinal Orthosis for Flexible Neuromuscular Scoliosis A Preliminary Study

초록

Objective: This study used a 3-point pressure spinal orthosis made of fabric material in neuromuscular scoliosis patients with flexible spinal curve to evaluate the in-brace correction of the spinal curve and to estimate changes in pulmonary function associated with brace wearing. Design: Twenty-eight children with neuromuscular scoliosis with spinal curve flexibility of more than 50% were enrolled. A custom-made 3-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 the brace wearing duration, and questionnaires on brace tolerance were collected. Results: Cobb angles after application of orthosis decreased from 31.0 degrees (interquartile range = 21.9-45.0 degrees) to 16.6 degrees (interquartile range = 10.0-34.0 degrees) in the sitting position and from 13.3 degrees (interquartile range = 4.0-21.0 degrees) to 1.4 degrees (interquartile range = 0.0-19.0 degrees) while supine (P < 0.01, P = 0.04, respectively). Preorthosis and postorthosis application forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second, and peak cough flow were unaffected. Caregivers reported improved sitting postures and manual activities. Conclusions: In children with flaccid-type neuromuscular scoliosis, curve correction can be achieved using a simple fabric-type spinal orthosis when applied to patients with flexible scoliosis, without compromising lung function.

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