ScoliBrace® Brace in Paris
A Personalized Approach to Scoliosis Bracing
The ScoliBrace® is a custom-made orthopedic brace designed specifically for the management of scoliosis. Its design is based on an analysis of the patient’s body type, posture, and the characteristics of their curvature in order to determine an appropriate correction strategy.
At the CCCV in Paris, its use is part of a comprehensive, individualized assessment for both adolescents and adults, with clinical follow-up and regular reevaluation.
What is ScoliBrace®?
The ScoliBrace® is a custom-made thoracolumbar-sacral (TLSO) brace designed for the conservative management of certain types of scoliosis. Unlike a standardized brace, its design is tailored to the patient’s body type and the three-dimensional characteristics of their scoliosis.
It is designed to apply specific corrective forces to influence trunk posture and spinal alignment while the brace is being worn. The type of correction sought depends, in particular, on the location of the curvatures, their degree, trunk rotation, postural balance, and—in adolescents—growth potential.
Therefore, a corset is not a one-size-fits-all solution for all patients: its indication, design, and objectives must be tailored to each individual based on an appropriate clinical and radiographic evaluation.
Who is the ScoliBrace® brace recommended for?
The decision to prescribe a brace depends on several factors: age, growth potential, the type and severity of scoliosis, its progression, any symptoms, and the treatment goals. Therefore, the treatment goals are not necessarily the same for adolescents as they are for adults.
In adolescents
For adolescents who are still growing, a brace may be considered in certain cases of progressive idiopathic scoliosis, particularly when the risk of the curve worsening warrants it.
The primary goal, therefore, is to limit the progression of scoliosis during growth and, when possible, to correct the deformity while the brace is being worn. The indication takes into account, in particular, the Cobb angle, bone maturity, and the progression observed in successive examinations.
In adults
In adults, the goals are different. A brace may be considered for certain types of scoliosis when the deformity, postural imbalance, or symptoms have a functional impact.
Depending on the situation, the goal may be to support the trunk, improve postural balance, reduce certain symptoms, and limit the progression of the deformity. The decision must be tailored to each individual based on the clinical and radiographic evaluation.
For a more general overview of the different types of scoliosis and their evaluation, visit our Scoliosis in Paris page.
How is a custom-made ScoliBrace® brace designed?
The design of a ScoliBrace® begins with a precise assessment of scoliosis and postural balance. The goal is to characterize the deformity in order to tailor the brace to each patient’s body type and curvature profile.
1. Clinical and Postural Assessment
The assessment includes a clinical and postural examination of the patient, an evaluation of trunk balance, and an analysis of relevant functional factors. In adolescents, the stage of growth and the progression of scoliosis are also taken into account.
2. Radiographic Analysis
When X-rays are indicated and available, they allow for the analysis of the Cobb angle, the location and configuration of the curvatures, and the overall balance of the spine. This information helps define the goals of correction.
3. Acquisition of Morphology
Capturing the patient’s torso morphology provides an accurate model of the patient for brace design. This information is combined with clinical and radiographic data to customize the ScoliBrace®.
4. Design and Fitting of the Corset
The brace is then customized to match the patient’s scoliosis profile. When it is fitted, its fit, comfort, and tolerability are checked. Adjustments can be made to optimize its use.
5. Monitoring and Reassessment
Follow-up allows for an assessment of the patient’s tolerance of the brace, its use, and the patient’s clinical progress. When indicated, follow-up X-rays can also help evaluate the correction achieved with the brace and the progression of the scoliosis.
What results can be expected from a scoliosis brace?
The results of brace treatment depend, in particular, on age, growth potential, the type and severity of scoliosis, the degree to which it can be corrected, and the duration of brace wear. The treatment goals and the level of scientific evidence differ between adolescents and adults.
In adolescents
For adolescents with progressive idiopathic scoliosis who are still growing, the main goal of bracing is to limit the progression of the curvature until skeletal maturity is reached and to reduce the risk of the curvature reaching a degree that would warrant consideration of surgical treatment.
The BrAIST multicenter study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrated the effectiveness of bracing treatment in adolescents at risk of progression. It also highlighted a relationship between the number of hours the brace is worn daily and the likelihood of treatment success.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1307337?utm_source=chatgpt.com&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fchatgpt.com%2F
Specifically regarding the ScoliBrace®, a prospective pilot study published in 2024 evaluated this customized three-dimensional brace in adolescent girls with idiopathic scoliosis. These initial results are encouraging, but the sample size was limited, and they should be interpreted as preliminary data rather than definitive evidence of superiority over other braces.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38416233/
In adults
In adults, the purpose of a brace is generally different. Depending on the clinical situation, it may be used to improve trunk support, reduce pain, or improve function, and in some cases, to try to limit the progression of the deformity.
However, the scientific evidence for adults remains much less robust than that for adolescents. A systematic review focusing on braces for adult scoliosis reports possible improvements in pain and function in some studies, but highlights the weakness and heterogeneity of the available data.
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s12891-020-3095-x.pdf
A result observed in one patient does not predict the outcome for another patient. The indication and goals for wearing the brace must therefore be determined on an individual basis based on the clinical and radiographic evaluation.
How many hours a day should you wear a corset?
The duration of scoliosis brace wear isdetermined on a case-by-case basis. It depends, in particular, on the patient’s age, growth potential, the severity of the scoliosis, and the risk of progression, as well as the goals established during the evaluation.
For adolescents who are still growing, certain treatment regimens require prolonged daily wear. Scientific data show that adherence and the number of hours the brace is worn can play an important role in the effectiveness of brace treatment.
In adults, wearing patterns generally vary and are tailored to the patient’s symptoms, activities, and functional goals. The available data do not allow for the establishment of a universal daily wearing time applicable to all adults.
At the CCCV, the duration of wear is therefore determined on a case-by-case basis and then adjusted during follow-up based on tolerance, clinical progress, and, when indicated, radiographic evaluations.
How does follow-up care with a ScoliBrace® work at the CCCV?
Fitting the brace marks the beginning of the follow-up process. Regular checkups allow for an assessment of the patient’s tolerance, comfort, and the fit of the brace, as well as the patient’s clinical progress.
For adolescents, follow-up care also takes into account growth and the progression of scoliosis. The brace may need to be adjusted as the body changes.
When clinically indicated, an X-ray taken while the brace is in place can help assess the correction achieved and verify whether the goals established during the brace’s design have been met.
Clinical, postural, and radiographic data are then used to gradually adjust the treatment plan and determine how to proceed with treatment.
Corsets and Postural Correction: A Complementary Treatment Approach
Depending on the patient's condition, wearing a ScoliBrace® can be part of a more comprehensive treatment plan that combines specific exercises, functional training, and postural correction.
At the CCCV, a clinical and postural evaluation helps determine which components can be incorporated into the brace. The goal is to tailor the treatment plan to the characteristics of the scoliosis, any symptoms, and the patient’s functional abilities.
For adolescents, specific exercises for scoliosis may be combined with orthopedic treatment when indicated. For adults, the focus may be more on mobility, function, postural balance, and patient-specific goals.
When certain postural factors warrant it, the principles of Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP®) may also be incorporated into the treatment plan. Their use is determined on a case-by-case basis and does not replace orthopedic treatment for scoliosis when a brace is indicated.
What is the ScoliBrace® brace?
The ScoliBrace® is a custom-made orthopedic brace designed to treat certain types of scoliosis. Its design takes into account the patient’s body shape and the three-dimensional characteristics of their scoliosis in order to apply appropriate corrective forces.
Its indications and goals are determined on an individual basis based on clinical and radiographic evaluation, for both adolescents and adults.
At what Cobb angle might a corset be recommended?
For adolescents who are still growing, the decision to prescribe a brace is not based solely on the Cobb angle. It also takes into account age, bone maturity, growth potential, and the risk of scoliosis progression.
In practice, international guidelines generally recommend a brace for progressive scoliosis ranging from approximately 20–25° to 40–45° on the Cobb scale in patients who are still growing, depending on the clinical context. The indication must therefore be determined on a case-by-case basis following clinical and radiographic evaluation.
In adults, there is no single Cobb angle threshold that alone determines the need for a brace; symptoms, postural balance, the progression of the deformity, and functional goals are also taken into account.
How many hours a day should you wear a scoliosis brace?
The duration of brace wear is determined on an individual basis, taking into account age, growth potential, the type and progression of scoliosis, and treatment goals.
For adolescents who are still growing, certain treatments require prolonged daily wear, and studies show that compliance plays an important role in the effectiveness of brace therapy.
In adults, wearing schedules are generally tailored to the patient’s symptoms, activities, and functional goals. Therefore, there is no single daily wearing time that applies to all patients.
Can the ScoliBrace® be used by adults?
Yes. The ScoliBrace® may be considered for certain adults with scoliosis, but the goals generally differ from those sought in growing adolescents.
Depending on the situation, the brace may be used, among other things, to improve trunk support, reduce certain symptoms, improve function and postural balance, and, in some cases, help limit the progression of the deformity.
The indication depends on the clinical and radiographic findings, symptoms, characteristics of the scoliosis, and each patient’s specific goals.
Can a brace correct scoliosis?
A brace can help correct the deformity while it is being worn, and in growing adolescents, its primary goal is to limit the progression of scoliosis until skeletal maturity is reached.
The extent and duration of the correction vary depending on the type of scoliosis, its severity, its flexibility, the patient’s growth potential, and adherence to treatment.
The results achieved with the brace therefore do not guarantee a permanent correction of scoliosis after it is removed. Clinical and radiographic follow-up allows for an individualized assessment of the patient’s progress.
How long does brace treatment last for adolescents?
The duration of treatment depends primarily on remaining growth potential, bone maturity, the progression of scoliosis, and the response to treatment.
For adolescents who are still growing, the brace may be worn for several months or several years, with regular checkups to adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Once skeletal maturity has been reached and the scoliosis is considered sufficiently stable, a gradual reduction in the duration of brace wear may be considered, depending on the clinical and radiographic findings.
How can I tell if the ScoliBrace® is right for my scoliosis?
The decision to prescribe a ScoliBrace® requires an individualized assessment. This assessment takes into account , among other factors , the patient’s age, growth potential, the type and severity of the scoliosis, its progression, postural balance, any symptoms, and the patient’s goals.
The evaluation combines a clinical and postural examination with an analysis of available X-ray images. These elements help determine whether treatment with a brace is appropriate and define the goals of care.
An initial consultation at the CCCV in Paris allows us to assess the situation and discuss the various options best suited to the patient.
Do you need a doctor's prescription for a ScoliBrace® brace?
A preliminary medical consultation may be necessary or recommended depending on the patient’s situation—particularly in the case of children or adolescents with progressive scoliosis—to ensure coordinated care and rule out conditions requiring a specialist’s opinion.
At the CCCV, the decision to prescribe ScoliBrace® is based on a clinical and radiographic evaluation. When necessary, the patient may be referred to their physician or a specialist to complete the evaluation and coordinate care.
The terms and conditions for prescribing and potential reimbursement must be verified on a case-by-case basis depending on the patient's care pathway and circumstances.
Is the ScoliBrace® brace covered by insurance?
The conditions for coverage of a brace depend , in particular , on the type of device, the medical prescription, and the applicable administrative framework.
The ScoliBrace® offered at the CCCV is a custom-made device, and its reimbursement terms may differ from those of conventional orthopedic braces covered under certain medical treatment pathways.
Before the corset is made, the patient receives detailed information about its cost and any available coverage options. It is also advisable to check with your supplemental health insurance provider to find out what coverage is included in your policy.
Can you play sports while wearing a ScoliBrace® brace?
In many cases, it is still possible and advisable to engage in physical activity while wearing a brace. However, the specifics depend on the type of sport, the scoliosis, the prescribed wear time, and the patient’s individual circumstances.
For adolescents, maintaining physical activity helps preserve physical fitness, mobility, and muscle function. Depending on the instructions, the brace may be removed for certain sports activities and then put back on according to the established protocol.
The recommendations are therefore tailored to each individual in order to balance brace therapy, physical activity, and daily life.
Does your scoliosis require a brace?
Every case of scoliosis is different. The decision to prescribe a brace depends on the patient’s age, growth potential, the characteristics of the curve, its progression, and the patient’s goals.
A consultation at the Spinal Chiropractic Center in Paris 7 allows us to perform a clinical and postural evaluation, analyze any available X-rays, and determine whether a ScoliBrace® may be an option for you.
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