RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Historically, the orthotic treatment in progressive myopathic scoliosis has not been as effective as expected. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a spinal orthosis on scoliotic curve correction, alignment of altered posture and cardio-respiratory functions. CASE DESCRIPTION AND METHODS: An 11 year-old girl diagnosed with myopathy was fitted with a custom molded thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis to enhance the sitting ability. The cardio-respiratory tests were performed by a COSMED K4 b(2); metabolic analyzer. The anterior posterior radiographs were analyzed for measuring Cobb angle and Ferguson angle. A plumb line test was used to assess the postural improvements. FINDINGS AND OUTCOMES: No significant difference was observed for variables such as O(2) consumption level, PaO(2), tidal volume, heart rate and energy expenditure/min. The improved posture was evident by shifting of the plumb line 18 mm towards the mid line with the use of orthosis. Very minor improvements in both angles were observed with the use of the brace. CONCLUSION: The brace treatment cannot be expected to have a lasting corrective effect although it can be used as a sitting support and for maintaining posture Clinical relevance This case study provides an objective prescription of thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis as a sitting support and for improving posture in progressive myopathic scoliosis if suitably designed and properly fitted.
