Non-Fusion Scoliosis Treatment in Pennsylvania

Between 2 and 3% of the global population lives with scoliosis. Usually presenting as idiopathic scoliosis (meaning “cause unknown”), young people are those most frequently afflicted. The largest percentage of this cohort is made up of girls aged 10 to 18. For girls in this group, making friends and “fitting in” can be challenging.

Scoliosis therapy is pursued according to the acuity of the curve and its progression. Curves under 25-degrees are usually treated with observation alone, as the progression of the curve is closely monitored to determine appropriate treatment options.

If a curve of this acuity is seen to be progressing to between 25 and 40-degrees, patients are prescribed bracing to cease progression and to begin mitigating it. Surgery is only explored after acuity reaches 40%.

Non-Fusion Scoliosis Treatment

In play for over a decade now, anterior scoliosis corrective surgery (also referred to as “VBT”), is a groundbreaking alternative therapy for scoliosis patients. Extremely effective for young people over age 10, this type of treatment uses skeletal growth to correct curvatures over time.

Unlike fusion surgery, VBT helps patients maintain flexibility in the spine as they grow and has been proven to offer ongoing correction of the curve until growth has concluded.

Other Possible Applications

While VBT is most often chosen for patients between the ages of 10 and 18 years, it can often help younger patients and even those who are no longer growing.

Patients with curvatures between 40 and 70% are prime candidates, but more acute curves may also be addressed with this style of intervention. Doctors often discover that patients or parents of patients want to avoid the fusion procedure, due to the loss of mobility in the spine.

Every scoliosis patient is different, so while this therapy may be the right solution for some, that’s not always true. Recommending VBT is a matter of consultation. Scoliosis & Spine’s Dr. Baron Lonner will discuss non-fusion scoliosis treatment in Pennsylvania as part of your consultation.

Alternative Therapies

The UnyqAlign brace is a breakthrough in scoliosis bracing, introduced at a fashion show which demonstrated its flexible, lightweight construction. The UnyqAlign responds to a demand for bracing which serves the largest group living with scoliosis – teenage girls. They’re more likely to wear the UnyqAlign, due to its unparalleled comfort and attractiveness.

Developed in Germany, the Scroth Method answers the needs of individual scoliosis patients, enhancing flexibility, breathing and posture and strengthening muscles, while supporting patient confidence.

When Scroth joins forces with bracing, young people are empowered. And they become more engaged in their treatment. This clinical response encourages them to take ownership of their therapy, wearing their braces for the requisite number of hours each day and performing exercises as prescribed.

Finding the appropriate treatment for scoliosis is a journey Scoliosis & Spine is excited to take with you