Get in touch!
We don't provide our services to anyone else, and we are always available to help when you need us. To contact us, please fill out the following form.
Hyper corrective bracing is an orthotic intervention used to treat Scoliosis, it is a clinically proven concept that leads the way when it comes to rigid scoliosis bracing solutions.
Although the Hyper Corrective Brace is considered to be a rigid device, it has strategically placed windows which allow the torso to shift into a corrected position. These braces are asymmetrical, and work on the premise of applying corrective pressures to specific areas; offering maximum rectification, providing support and halting curve progression. The Hyper Corrective Brace works to elongate and realign the spine to encourage optimal conditions for spinal growth. Hyper corrective bracing is supported by clinical evidence and is a fantastic treatment option for children with scoliosis.
Children’s Orthotics carefully design these braces using 3D scans taken of your child's torso in clinic, combining them together with information gathered from X-rays to create a bespoke bracing solution that has been specifically created for your child.
What kinds of scoliosis can Hyper Corrective Bracing be used to treat?:
Scoliosis occurs in three main categories - Idiopathic, Neuromuscular and Congenital, these can then be broken down into further categories.
- Idiopathic Scoliosis
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis
- Congenital Scoliosis
Idiopathic scoliosis is the name for when the curvature of the spine occurs with no obvious cause. This can present in children of all ages but is most common in juveniles and adolescents, but can occasionally affect children below the age of three - this is classified as Infantile scoliosis.
Neuromuscular scoliosis is spinal curvature caused by neurological conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida or any other pre-existing condition that causes low muscle tone. This can sometimes be referred to as Neurological Scoliosis or Syndromic Scoliosis.
Congenital scoliosis is a curvature that is caused by structural issues present in the spine. This can happen when one of the Vertebrae (the small bones that make up the spine) is not fully formed, or when two or more vertebrae are fused together causing the spine to develop in a curved posture.
Hyper Corrective Bracing can be used as a treatment method for all types of Scoliosis - as long as your child is found to be a suitable candidate by one of our fully trained Orthotists.
Who is this brace suitable for?
Suitability for these devices is carefully considered by our Orthotists on a case by case basis, with every aspect of your child's suitability and safety considered. A suitability assessment is an important aspect of the bracing process as it allows our clinicians to physically see your child and use their expertise to make bracing recommendations in your child's best interests. Some of the aspects we examine during assessment are;
- Age and skeletal maturity
- Curve type and size of curve
- Flexibility and location of curve
- Your child's activity levels
- Your child’s tolerance
- Coexisting medical conditions
Most commonly, hyper corrective bracing is used for growing children with curvatures (Cobb angle) of upwards of 20°, the upper limit of curves we can treat using this style of brace depends on a number of factors including curve flexibility, degree of curvature and skeletal maturity.
In certain circumstances bracing can be provided for smaller curves if, for example, the child is approaching a major growth spurt, there is a family history of scoliosis or X-rays show abnormalities in the veritable bones which will most likely cause the curve to increase with time.
How does Hyper Corrective Bracing work?
Scoliosis causes the spine to curve and rotate as your child grows, and as a result of this the body develops a compensatory posture which can be uncomfortable, and may get progressively more advanced if left untreated. Hyper corrective braces are designed to counteract the curvature and rotation, their asymmetrical design allows corrective pressure to be very specifically applied to certain areas and the hollow areas create a space for the torso to move into, creating a device that is corrective, supportive and comfortable for your child.
What are ‘treatment outcomes’, and what will they be for my child?
Treatment outcomes essentially refer to the goals that we achieve by bracing your child, they are unique to your child’s Scoliosis journey, so not all children will be expected to have the same treatment outcomes.
At the beginning of your child's treatment, your orthotist may advise what they feel would be a realistic outcome for your child, giving you an idea of what we’re aiming to achieve at the end of their treatment. This may range from aiming to stabilise or slow the progression of the curvature, to delaying or avoiding surgical intervention, or maybe even achieving some long term correction of the Scoliosis.
Treatment outcomes are a way of measuring what has been gained by using the brace, and reflecting on the improvements made to your child's spine.
What kind of outcomes can I expect from my child’s treatment?
Treatment outcomes will vary on a case by case basis, however research has shown very positive results for children treated with this style of bracing. A retrospective review that was carried out recently indicated that the treatment outcomes of children who were treated with CMP bracing experienced results that by far exceeded those achieved by other leading brace alternatives on the market.
In this review, the average in-brace correction achieved in a hyper corrective brace was 63%, when compared to an average of 48% achieved by other bracing styles. Once out of the brace, the average correction was 37.6%.
Outcomes are measured on a case by case basis, but by using a CMP brace your child has the access to what is currently the best bracing option available on the market and therefor, the opportunity to achieve the best possible outcomes
How can I get my child a Hyper Corrective Brace?
The first step is to book an assessment appointment to see one of our experienced Orthotists. The Orthotist will obtain a relevant medical history plus review any X-ray images, MRI reports and consultant letters for your child. Please bring all available documentation to the first clinical appointment.
If the most recent X-ray is out of date or unsuitable, then another X-ray will need to be organised. Please note X-rays will have to be provided by a third party provider as we are unable to offer you this service at this time.
The orthotist will then carry out a physical examination including:
- Observations of standing posture
- Measuring leg length
- Muscle power tests
- Joint range of movement tests
- Spine flexibility tests
- Gait analysis
If a hyper corrective brace is deemed the most appropriate device, then specific measurements and a number of 3D scans will be taken using a handheld scanner - this is a radiation free process. If your child is not found suitable for this type of bracing, other - more suitable options will be discussed at this point.
The brace will then be customised using the data collected from the X-rays, measurements and clinical scans. How the brace looks can also be personalised, your child will be able to choose from a wide selection of colours and patterns - they are sure to find an option that suits their style.
Braces take on average 2-3 weeks to be manufactured (this can vary slightly depending on manufacturers lead times), at which point you and your child will be invited back into the clinic to have it professionally fitted and receive advice on breaking in the device.
We would expect the review process to look similar to the following:
- 1 month X-ray whilst wearing the brace, consultant review and minor brace modifications by orthotist.
- 3 months consultant review and minor brace modifications by orthotist.
- 6 months without brace X-ray, consultant review and minor brace alterations by orthotist.
- 9 month brace review with orthotist.
- 12 month review plus new X-ray prior to providing a new brace if required.
Please note the above is a guide, your child's needs may vary from this, your Orthotist will provide each child with their own review process after the first fitting based on their specific needs.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the brace worn for each day?
The brace needs to be worn for at least 20 hours per day, this will mean your child will have to sleep in the brace. The other 4 hours, children are encouraged to play, partake in sport and of course - wash. It is imperative to ensure that the time your child is spending out of the brace is active, this will contribute to maintaining muscle strength during the bracing process.
How long is the brace worn for each day?
If your child will not tolerate a corrective movement brace during the day, it may be worth exploring the idea of a night brace as an alternative treatment pathway. Night time braces are braces that are specifically made to be slept in, offering correction, support and comfort for the wearer during the wee hours, leaving your child brace free in the daytime.
This is a great alternative for those children who do not want to wear a brace to school, or who struggle to cope with the emotional and physical aspect of CMP bracing. For more details on this please click here (Link)
How long will my child need bracing for?
Once the hyper corrective treatment starts, it will continue until the skeleton is skeletally mature enough that we are confident the curve has stabilised. X-rays of the growth plates of the pelvis or hands can confirm this. Most commonly, once growth has stopped the brace treatment will stop.
How many braces will be required in total?
This will depend on how much your child grows - the brace will require replacement if a child has grown to the extent that the forces being applied to the body are no longer in the optimum place to maintain spinal correction.
Is the brace noticeable under clothing?
Some children will not be at all concerned about wearing the brace in public, however others will feel very worried about the aesthetic aspect of wearing a scoliosis brace - this is totally understandable and valid concern. They should be reassured that the brace is surprisingly discreet and can easily be worn under clothing. How obvious the brace is from underneath clothing will depend on how tightly fitting it is - looser fitting garments will make the brace less obvious and tighter fitting garments will show the brace more. Some patients opt for a white brace so it cannot be seen under school shirts however, for those who prefer a bolder statement - we have plenty of fun patterns to choose from.
What other treatments are available for my child from Children’s Orthotics?
Children’s orthotics work as part of a wider multidisciplinary team - we can offer you access to specialist Scoliosis Physiotherapists who can help your child to achieve the best outcome possible from their treatment. Our physiotherapists will be able to provide a specialised routine that compliments the braces provided by your Orthotist - if you’re interested in finding out more about physiotherapy for Scoliosis, please click here
How do I arrange an assessment for a Hyper Corrective Brace?
To get in touch or arrange an appointment, you can call us at 0330 088 3949 or email office@orthotics.co.uk.