Learn more about scoliosis, spinal treatment and products from Boston Orthotics & Prosthetics. Blog posts cover new technology, product comparisons, clinician profiles, scoliosis treatment results, resources for patients and families, and inspiring stories about living with scoliosis.
Caiden Portz’s smile says it all. “He’s a very kind, calm, sweet-natured kid,” says his mom, Laura. “And, he’s very resilient.”
Resiliency has been key when it comes to Caiden’s journey with a complex form of congenital scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs when the vertebrae do not form normally before a baby is born.
At 4 months old, Maya had not rolled over the way other babies do. Her mom, Gislane Lima, a nurse, knew something wasn’t right. Maya was referred to a neurologist. In the exam room, Gislane observed and listened as the doctors spoke to one another in hushed tones: “Classic symptoms of SMA” — an acronym she’d never heard. Outside, in the parking lot, in the harsh light of a Summer day, she Googled SMA. “It took my breath away,” she says.
Twelve-year-old brothers, Caden and Ryan Kim, share many similar characteristics and common interests — they both love to ski, read, build models out of wood and cardboard, and both play the violin. But one thing these identical twins don’t share is a condition known as idiopathic scoliosis, a curvature of the spine with no known cause.
If you have been researching bracing as a treatment for scoliosis, you’ve probably come across the terms “custom bracing,” “custom fabricated,” or “custom fitting.” So, what do these terms mean?
Fifteen-year-old Eli is by most accounts a typical teenage boy. He is active on his high-school wrestling team, a Boy Scout, and also enjoys snow skiing and water skiing. However, Eli is far from typical.
If you’re reading this, you or a child you know has probably been diagnosed with scoliosis, and your doctor has recommended bracing as an effective course of treatment.
Mike Kitchen is a Certified Orthotist and Clinical Director of the Boston O&P in East Brunswick. In this Q&A, Mike shares how he was introduced to the O&P profession, how things have changed over the years, and how his expertise in computer aided design has helped him provide better care to scoliosis patients.
The results are in! Almost 100 girls responded to the “What to Wear” survey conducted by Boston Orthotics & Prosthetics, providing their thoughts and tips on how to dress comfortably and fashionably while wearing a scoliosis brace.