Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)
Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)
An International Organization Dedicated to the Education, Research and Treatment of Spinal Deformity
Our Mission is to Foster Optimal Care for All Patients with Spinal Deformities
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Infantile Scoliosis

Casting

Front and back views of a child in a cast for scoliosis.
Figure 1: Front and back views of a child in a cast
for scoliosis.

 

 

If the curve is progressive, serial casting (Figure 1) can be used to partially correct the deformity before beginning bracing. A cast can be considered a full-time brace which cannot be removed. Many parents prefer casting because it eliminates the problems of compliance and the difficulties of donning braces in uncooperative young children.

Casting can become a definitive method of management. Research in the United Kingdom indicates that treating non-congenital scoliosis with serial casts beginning in children at 12 months of age with an average curve of 32o in some cases have their scoliosis reduced to up to <10o at maturity. Patients starting treatment at 18 months or later, with larger curves averaging 52o, achieve less correction, but their deformities can be maintained at a similar degree of magnitude.

The goal of casting in children under 2 years of age is curing the scoliosis. This requires cast changes under anesthesia every 2-3 months (minimum 5 casts) with the goal of achieving a straight spine. Despite the extensive casting, a brace will still be needed after the casting treatment. Older children demonstrating "recurrence" can be re-casted for four months to re-correct the deformity before continuing with brace management.

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