Non-Fusion Scoliosis Treatment in New York

Between 2 and 3% of the population lives with scoliosis. Primarily manifesting as idiopathic scoliosis (no cause identified), It’s usually young people who are afflicted, the largest percentage of this group being girls between the ages of 10 and 18. For girls in this group, dealing with social situations and “fitting in” can be heartbreakingly difficult.

Scoliosis treatment is prescribed according to the acuity of the curvature and its progression. Curves of less than 25-degrees are routinely treated with observation alone, as the progression of the curvature is observed closely to determine the best course of action.

If curvature of this acuity is observed to be progressing, curvatures between 25 and 40-degrees normally need bracing to mitigate progression and to begin correcting it. Surgery is explored after acuity reaches 40%.

Non-Fusion Scoliosis Treatment

In use now for over a decade, anterior scoliosis corrective surgery (also known as “VBT”), is a viable alternative for those living with scoliosis. Usually recommended for young people over 10 years of age, this type of treatment works with skeletal growth to correct curvatures as the child’s body matures.

Unlike fusion surgery, VBT helps preserve flexibility in the spine, continuing growth and has been observed to offer ongoing correction of the curve through the growth cycle.

Adaptations

While VBT is most commonly offered to patients between 10 and 18 years old, it may be recommended to younger patients and sometimes to patients who have stopped growing.

Patients with curvatures between 40 and 70% are considered candidates for this procedure, but larger curves may also be addressed by this style of treatment. Many patients or parents of patients prefer to avoid the fusion technique, because of the loss of spinal mobility entailed.

Every scoliosis patient is unique, so while this treatment may be right for some, that’s not always the case. Ascertaining candidacy is a matter of consultation with Dr. Baron Lonner, who will discuss non-fusion scoliosis treatment in New York as an alternative.

Other Approaches

The UnyqAlign brace is a new method of bracing, rolled out at a fashion show which emphasized its light, flexible construction. The UnyqAlign answers an urgent need for bracing options which serve the most prominent group dealing with scoliosis – adolescent girls. They’re much more likely to wear the UnyqAlign because it’s attractive and comfortable.

Developed in Germany, the Scroth Method works with the individual needs of scoliosis patients, improving flexibility, strengthening muscles and correcting posture and breathing, while improving patient confidence.

When Scroth is combined with bracing, young people are empowered, becoming more intimately engaged with their own healing. This means they take ownership of their treatment, wearing their braces for the recommended number of hours per day and performing prescribed exercises.

Finding the ideal treatment for scoliosis is a journey Scoliosis & Spine is here to take with you.