Brace treatment

What does a brace do?

A brace is used in children who are still growing to stop or slow the progression of moderate curves (usually 25–40 degrees). The aim is to keep the curve from reaching the point where surgery is needed. A brace does not permanently straighten the curve; it keeps it under control until growth is complete.

In a large study (BrAIST, 2013), children who wore a brace were significantly more likely to avoid their curve reaching the surgical threshold. In the same study, the success rate was over 90% in children who wore their brace for more than about 13 hours a day on average.

How many hours a day?

Full-time braces are usually worn for 18–23 hours a day, and night-time braces while asleep. The time your doctor recommends is your target. The longer the brace is worn, the greater its effect.

• Try to keep to the same routine for putting the brace on every day.
• The brace can be taken off for bathing, showering and sport.
• Wearing it at school and while asleep adds the most hours to the daily total.

Skin care

• Wear a thin, seamless, close-fitting cotton vest under the brace.
• Check the skin every day. Brief redness is normal; if there is a sore or a blister, contact your orthotist.
• Do not put cream or powder on skin covered by the brace; keep it clean and dry.
• Clean the brace by wiping it with warm, soapy water.

Getting used to it, and support

It takes time to get used to a brace in the first days; wearing time can be built up gradually over a few days. Wearing a brace can be emotionally demanding. Listening to your child and supporting them at school and among friends helps them stick with treatment. Ask for psychological support if needed.

When does brace treatment stop?

The brace is usually stopped once growth is complete. Your doctor decides this based on bone maturity (Risser or Sanders stage), whether growth in height has stopped and, in girls, the time since the first period. Weaning is often gradual.