Some advice from experts
The Prosthetist Orthotist
The Doctor
My Background: I am a Prosthetist Orthotist specializing in pediatric care. I work in hospital and clinical settings as part of an interdisciplinary health care team to support children’s mobility, functional development, and overall quality of life. My practice spans a wide range of conditions, including scoliosis, cerebral palsy, limb differences, and other neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders, and involves the design and delivery of orthotic and prosthetic interventions tailored to individual patient needs. I chose this profession because it combines hands on creativity, problem solving, and long term patient relationships in a way that is both intellectually and personally rewarding.
About Scoliosis & Bracing: A central focus of my work is the nonsurgical management of scoliosis through spinal orthoses. Scoliosis braces are corrective devices that apply targeted biomechanical forces - such as three point pressure systems and derotational forces - to guide spinal growth and reduce curve progression during periods of skeletal immaturity. While the foundational principles of bracing have remained consistent, advances in materials, design, and manufacturing - particularly the use of 3D scanning and modeling - have improved fit, precision, and overall effectiveness.
Challenges in Scoliosis: Despite these advances, adherence to brace wear remains the most significant challenge in scoliosis management. Effective treatment requires prolonged daily wear, often during adolescence, when physical discomfort and social concerns can affect compliance. Addressing these barriers through brace adjustments, gradual wear schedules, and psychosocial support is essential to successful outcomes. Scoliosis is common, and many patients require bracing for several years until skeletal maturity is reached. Support networks, including peer groups and family education, play an important role in helping patients and caregivers navigate this process. In my interactions with patients, I emphasize that bracing is a temporary but meaningful intervention. The goal is to preserve spinal health and reduce the likelihood of surgery while allowing children to remain active and engaged in their lives.
My Background: I am a pediatric orthopedic surgeon with specialized training in spinal deformity surgery. My clinical practice focuses on the comprehensive management of scoliosis and other pediatric spine conditions, including both operative and nonoperative care. I am particularly interested in the treatment of back pain and spinal pathology in active children.
About Scoliosis: The majority of children with scoliosis can be managed through observation or bracing, with only a small proportion ultimately requiring surgical intervention. Surgery is generally indicated for more severe curves - typically those exceeding established radiographic thresholds - or for younger children with rapidly progressive deformities. Early onset scoliosis presents the greatest treatment challenge, as spinal deformity at a very young age can compromise cardiopulmonary development and requires highly individualized, carefully timed interventions.
Advances in Scoliosis: Advances in scoliosis care continue to improve both assessment and treatment. Three dimensional imaging, robotic navigation, and techniques that reduce radiation exposure have refined diagnosis and surgical precision. Importantly, emerging surgical strategies aim to control spinal deformity while preserving motion, reducing the need for traditional spinal fusion. Ongoing research into the genetic basis of scoliosis and biologic markers of growth and maturation may further improve early identification and personalized treatment.
Challenges in Scoliosis: A persistent challenge for patients with scoliosis is the prevalence of misconceptions. A diagnosis alone does not necessitate restriction from physical activity, nor does scoliosis inevitably lead to chronic pain or disability in adulthood. Outside of postoperative recovery, children are encouraged to remain active and engaged in normal activities. My advice to patients and families emphasizes maintaining physical fitness, healthy lifestyle habits, and a long-term perspective, as most children with scoliosis go on to lead healthy, active lives. Treating pediatric patients is deeply rewarding, particularly when appropriate care allows them to return to the activities they enjoy and regain confidence in their health and abilities.