Scoliosis TLSO Brace: What to Expect

• Our main goal with bracing is to prevent curve progression and to keep your curve under 50 degrees.
• We expect to see some correction of this curve when we take the in-brace X-ray (in about 1 to 2 months).
• We expect to see the curve return to its original value(s) in your follow-up (out of brace) X-rays.

At the first appointment with Orthotics, you will be measured or molded for your brace and get an overview of the treatment plan.

About 3 weeks later, you will return to Orthotics for fitting of your brace. We will discuss wear schedule, skin checks and care of the brace.

One to two months after the first fitting appointment, you will return for follow-up. In one day, you will have 2 appointments in this order:

1. Orthotics
2. X-ray (in the brace)

After the 3rd appointment, you will need to be seen for follow-up every 4 to 9 months with team members from both Orthopedics and Orthotics together.

• If your Orthopedic appointments are more than 6 months apart, Orthotics will need to see you in between your Orthopedic appointments. Orthotics needs to see you once every 6 months to assess your brace for proper fit. You are growing and your body is changing at the same time we are treating your scoliosis. Because of these changes, we need to see you in Orthotics a minimum of 2 times per year to check the brace to make sure it fits right and adjust for growth as needed.
• If you are usually seen by Orthopedics at an offsite clinic, we can coordinate to see you in Orthotics in Seattle or Bellevue on the same day as your offsite clinic visit. If it is hard to travel between two locations on the same day, we can see you on a day that works better for your schedule.

• We encourage you to participate in all of your normal activities, including exercise, athletics, PE class and swimming.
• Remove the brace for all athletics, PE class, swimming and bathing activities.
• Your medical team will tell you how many hours you can be out of the brace each day. Use this time out of the brace for the activities above and other activities of your choice.

Bracing is most effective when you and your family are committed to the bracing plan and your family is supportive at home. Wearing a brace can be hard, but having good support at home will help you work through the challenges and successfully complete bracing.

• SRS.org – The Scoliosis Research Society
• Seattlechildrens.org – Search for “Scoliosis” to learn more about scoliosis treatment at Seattle Children’s Hospital