Your Child’s Spinal Brace

What is a spinal brace?

A spinal brace can be made from plastic, foam or cotton. It can be lined with a soft material and reinforcements. It usually fastens with return pull straps.

What is it for?

A spinal brace is provided to control and support the spine and pelvis.

How are they made?

They can be made from measurements, a plaster cast or using an iPad scanner.

What should be worn under the brace? Your child should wear a long cotton vest or t-shirt under the brace which are:

• Well fitting to eliminate creases.
• Un-patterned.
• Made from cotton rich material.
• Long enough to cover all the areas of the skin, which come into contact with the brace.
• Excess material should be gathered at the opening of the brace to avoid creases or folds inside the brace.

Skin Care

The skin should be regularly inspected, particularly in the first few days. The skin will gradually build up a resistance to the brace. Do not apply ointment or tape to the skin under the brace. Any break, blistering or severe redness of the skin surface must be reported to your Orthotist or Physiotherapist for advice.

How do I put on my child’s spinal brace?

The Orthotist will show you how to put the brace on. It is important to make sure that the waist of the brace fits exactly to the waist of the child. The straps on the brace must be fastened firmly to ensure that the brace does not slip down. Marks can be drawn on the straps to help identify how tightly to fasten the straps when the brace is new.

How long should they be worn?

• It is important that the wearing regime is adhered to.
• Continuity of wear is vital.

Your Orthotist, Physiotherapist or Consultant will tell you how long you should wear the brace for. Some children wear them all day and night and others may have individual wearing regime.

Care of your Spinal Brace

You can clean your brace by wiping it with a damp cloth. Dry it with a towel or leave it to dry naturally. The straps may discolour with use but this does not affect its function, If you have any problems with your brace contact your Physiotherapist or the Orthotist. DO NOT TRY TO ADJUST THE BRACE YOURSELF.

If you think your child is outgrowing the brace please contact the Orthotic department or your Physiotherapist for a review appointment.