This protocol targets skeletally immature patients with thoracic kyphosis measuring between 50 and 80 degrees on Cobb angle assessment. When treatment is initiated before skeletal maturity, results are reproducible and overall successful.
Skeletally immature patients require the addition of a spinal orthosis to a standard exercise program — an approach that leverages residual growth potential to achieve vertebral remodeling and kyphosis correction.
Management combines a structured physical therapy program targeting specific muscle groups with a spinal orthosis (brace). Several brace designs are available, each applying corrective forces differently, and the full protocol defines the selection criteria and minimum wear requirements for achieving correction.
DOI: 10.1007/s12178-023-09861-z
Skeletally immature patients with SK benefit from similar exercise programs, but require the addition of a spinal orthosis.
There is a reproducible and overall successful result in patients with kyphosis between 50 and 80° if initiated before skeletal maturity.
Bracing in SK focuses on improving thoracic kyphosis, with the goal of vertebral remodeling in skeletally immature patients.
A formal exercise program with emphasis on thoracic extensor muscle strengthening has been shown to improve function.
Significant reduction in pain has also been reported with brace treatment.
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