BBE Healthcare Ltd.

Clinical Studies

Soft Boston Orthosis in Management of Neuromuscular
Scoliosis: A Preliminary Report

Merv Letts, M.D., David Rathbone, M.D., *Tam Yamashita, B.P.T., Bill Nichol, CO, and Ann Keeler, CO
St. Amant Centre; Rehabilitation Centre for Children; and Winnipeg Children's Hospital, University of Manitoba. Winnipeg, Canada
Journal At Pediatric Orthopaedics, 12:470-474, 1992 Raven Press, Ltd., New York

Summary:
Collapsing neuromuscular spinal curvature is extremely difficult to manage with standard rigid orthoses owing to skin breakdown and patient intolerance. Experience with a new more malleable type of spinal brace (the "soft Boston orthosis") has been very rewarding in 55 children with neuromuscular scoliosis with an average curvature of 42°.

Patient tolerance was improved in 38%, patient handling was facilitated in 68%, and postural positioning was enhanced in 79%. Although improvement in the scoliosis averaged only 15°, the major advantage of this orthosis was a marked improvement in sitting stability in 80% of patients.

Key Words: Cerebral palsy - Neuromuscular scoliosis - Seating - Spinal orthoses.