Abstract
Background
When the SpineCor brace was introduced ~15 years ago, it touted promise that a flexible, patient friendly brace could arrest curve progression during growth similar to that documented for a rigid Boston-type brace. Subsequent experience with this brace demonstrated that failure rates were similar to the group randomized to no brace in the study by Weinstein et al. Most orthopedic surgeons have abandoned its use. However, Chiropractors have recently advocated that this “new and amazing flexible” brace cannot only control scoliosis but with spinal manipulation, but also correct the curve. This is a report of three cases treated with the SpineCor brace.
Case Studies: Patient one is a 15 years/o pre-menarche female who presents with a right thoracic curve of 56 degrees. Surgery was recommended. The family chose to use the SpineCor brace and multiple chiropractic manipulations with a guarantee that surgery could be avoided. Two years later, the family returns to clinic with a curve measuring 110 degrees. Patient two is a 12 years/o female who presents with AIS measuring 54 degrees. Surgery is recommended. The father chose to go with a SpineCor brace, traction Table 4X per week, muscle therapy, a vibration bed, and nuchal therapy for four years. After “tens of thousands of dollars,” the child returns at age 16 with a thoracic curve measuring 115 degrees. Patient three is a 10-year-old female who presents with an AIS curve measuring 32 degrees. Rigid bracing is recommended but the family chose Chiropractic and a SpineCor brace and a promise that the curve could be corrected. She returns at age 13 years with a curve of 75 degrees and surgery is recommended.
Conclusion
There is no credible data that would support the use of a SpineCor brace as an effective alternative to rigid bracing, or that this brace can actually correct a curve. In addition, there seems to be no consequences or accountability for prescribing chiropractors when the brace fails, leaving children with severe, high-risk curves. As Orthopedic surgeons, we have a responsibility to educate the public and no longer ignore the misleading information that our patients are receiving about “complimentary” therapies. This is a small series of cases and probably missed all of the successes of the SpineCor brace.