Scoliosis Systems Case 19- 14 yo female treated for 3 months. 62 ° thoracic scoliosis, follow up visit revealed a reduction to 49 ° out of brace. Orthopedic recommendation was surgery while the patient was still growing, we disagreed.

Scoliosis Systems Case 137- 16° to 11° in brace. Orthopedic recommendations were to watch and wait, we disagreed

Scoliosis Systems Case 44-9yo female patient enjoys complete correction of her scoliosis. Early intervention is so important. Orthopedic recommendations were to watch and wait, we disagreed

Scoliosis Systems Case 602. Follow up x-ray in brace shows effectiveness of early intervention.

Scoliosis Systems Case 602. Follow up x-ray in brace shows effectiveness of early intervention.

Scoliosis Systems Case 27. Good correction for both Adults and children

Scoliosis Systems Case 49.. 33° to 23°. Orthopedic recommendation was for a night time sleeping brace, we disagreed.

Scoliosis Systems Case 111- 15° to 0°. Orthopedic recommendations were to watch and wait, we disagreed.

Adult Scoliosis Systems Case 134. 33 yo male treated for 16 months. Curvature reduced from 24° to 10 °.

Scoliosis is the result of small genetic faults in symmetrical growth.  The earlier intervention is offered the greater the opportunity to reduce the abnormal forces which ultimately exacerbate the abnormal growth pattern seen in scoliosis.  Research published in 2006 by Hawes et al agrees earlier intervention is the key to correction.  Published in the JournalScoliosis Journal. Hawes and O'brien concluded,

"Spinal curvatures can routinely be diagnosed in early stages, before pathological deformity of the vertebral elements is induced in response to asymmetric loading. Current clinical approaches involve 'watching and waiting' while mild reversible spinal curvatures develop into spinal deformities with potential to cause symptoms throughout life. Research to define patient-specific mechanics of spinal loading may allow quantification of a critical threshold at which curvature establishment and progression become inevitable, and thereby yield strategies to prevent development of spinal deformity."

The breakthrough of the Spinecor system is in its design to retrain movement and reduce the abnormal forces during movement. Retraining of posture and movement is a consequence of the adaptability of the "central pattern generators" which control postural muscle activity. In research published in SPINE (2004) researchers concluded changes in muscle recruitment patterns can serve to reduce the severity and progressive nature of scoliosis.

The transformation of spinal curvature into spinal deformity: pathological processes and implications for treatment., Hawes MC, O'Brien JP. Scoliosis 2006 Mar 31:1(1):3.

Muscle Activation Strategies and Symmetry of Spinal Loading in the Lumbar Spine with Scoliosis. SPINE 2004 Oct 1:29 (19):2103-7 Stokes IA, Gardner-Morse M.

Sensory Feedback Mechanism Underlying Entrainment of Central Pattern Generator to Mechanical Resonance. Biol Cybern 2006 Apr:94(4):245-61. Epub 2006 Jan 10.

Why does the ribcage become deformed, and can it be limited?

Scoliosis is a three dimensional deformity characterized by excessive rotation of the spinal bones (vertebrae) as well as lateral bending. When the apex of the curvature is in the thoracic spine, the rotational component of the deformity causes the ribcage to rotate just as the spinal bones do, thereby causing the signature "rib hump".  Corrective procedures should include de-rotation of the ribcage as well as the spinal bones in order to reduce the ribcage deformity.

What factors influence the spinal curvature?

Researchers believe a genetic disturbance in the initiation sequence of growth is the primary dysfunction in Idiopathic Scoliosis.  Growth centers in the anterior portion of the vertebrae are thought to grow faster than those in the posterior regions, thereby causing a flattening of the normal side (sagital) curves.  Further delay in lateral growth centers leads to buckling and a wedging of the bones at the apex of the resultant curvature.  Muscle spindles are known to be abnormal and potentially absent at the level of the apex further compounding the problem.  Reduced spindle numbers means reduced awareness and motor control of the surrounding musculature, all leading to brain lateralization affecting much more than postural tone.