2008 NOPCO Scoliosis Program Results

2/28/2009

We measure our success one curve at a time. Success is for you to have a flexible spine for life. The goal of treatment is to stop the progression of the curve. Some patients do get actual partial correction not just cessation of progression.

The Partnership

NOPCO responsibility:

· To build a brace that will reduce the in-brace curve as much as possible.

· Make the brace as comfortable as possible.

· Provide informative responses to questions and concerns.

Patient/Family responsibility:

· Keep being a kid/adolescent .

· To wear the brace the recommended hours.

· To follow the appointment schedule.

· To let us know how we can help make this process better for you.

How many braces will be necessary ?

That depends on how fast you grow and how well the curve responds to bracing. What we have found:

· 76% one brace

· 19% two braces

· 5% three or more

Recommended appointment schedule

· Initial evaluation/measure/scan

· Fitting appointment (2 wks)

· Follow up appointment—check before x-ray (2—6 wks after fitting)

Always see a NOPCO Orthotist prior to x-ray to make sure the brace is fitting properly

· Follow up appointment every 3—6 months

Our data suggest that patients that follow the appointment schedule have better initial outcomes (further longitudinal data is needed to reach a conclusion).

2008 Experience

· 832 Patients fit with scoliosis braces

· 2401 Follow up appointments

Curves are named by their apex (where the curve changes direction). This is the number of each apex seen in 2008.

Studies show that in-brace correction (how much the curve is reduced in-brace) is a predictor of success provided the brace is worn the prescribed hours per day.

Here is our in-brace reduction values by curve type and apex.

The information contained in this Report cannot predict success. It is a snap shot of the outcome measures we tracked throughout 2008.

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4/9/2010
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