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Scoliosis Brace & Care

Note: The following information is geared to help a child prepare for and care for a scoliosis brace.

Getting the Brace

Before your brace can be made, you will need to have a plaster mold made. A mold will help the brace maker to make your brace. Just as each person is different and very special, your brace will be custom made to fit only you.

When you arrive to have your brace made, the nurse will have you put on something that looks like a long sock. It covers you from your chest to your knees. A soft piece of felt will be placed under the “sock”

You will also wear a cap on your head so that the plaster won’t get in your hair

Next, you’ll lie down on a skinny table. Attached to the table will be bars that look like gymnastics bars. The doctors will position you just right so that they can wrap the plaster around your chest, stomach and back.

They will wrap the plaster quickly. The mold doesn’t hurt, but fits rather snugly. The plaster will feel warm. It will look like a cast. After the doctors finish wrapping your mold, an x-ray will be taken of your back in the mold.

The mold will be removed by using a tool called a cast cutter. The cast cutter makes a loud noise and feels warm, but will not cut your skin. Your brace will be much lighter than the mold.

Putting on Your Brace

Once you have your brace, it is important that it be worn daily and positioned correctly. You may need help at first.

Please follow these simple steps in putting on your brace.

1. Wear a snug undershirt under the brace
2. Stand up to apply the brace
3. Lie down before final tightening of brace straps
4. Buckle snugly

Care of your Brace

Like anything new, you’ll want to take care of your brace. If your brace becomes soiled, it may be washed with mild detergent and water, rinsed and dried with a soft cloth.

Your brace will fit very closely to your body. With your clothes on most people won’t even know that you are wearing a brace. (They’ll just notice what nice posture you have!)

It is important to wear your brace as instructed by your doctor. He or she will tell you how many hours to wear it a day.

Wearing your brace should not interfere at all with your daily routine. Remain active and fun. Ask your doctor if you are unsure about an activity.

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The information on this site is provided for informational and educational purposes only; it does not contain specific medical advice. If you have specific health questions or problems, consult a health care professional for personal medical advice.