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Treatment for International Patients

Same-Day Scoliosis Bracing Service

In 2022 we successfully introduced a same-day service for scoliosis patients in the UK. We are now extending that opportunity to international patients, reducing the amount of time needed to be spent in the UK. The service is simple, we assess patients before 10.30am in the morning and fit the custom-made LOC Scoliosis brace in the afternoon. We can provide this service because our scoliosis team can assess, model and manufacture our brace in-house at our headquarters clinic in Kingston upon Thames. We believe this to be a unique level of service in the world.

Rapid scans

In addition, the next day, we refer our patients for a rapid low-dose scan to confirm the efficacy of our scoliosis brace fitted the previous day. Other clinics typically organise scans at the two-month mark and only then are changes made to improve the fit and correction in the brace. Doing an immediate scan means that we know what scale of correction we will achieve with our brace and if we think further improvements can be made, we fine-tune the brace immediately. This means that our international patients can return home knowing that they are wearing a brace which has been optimised as much as possible to rapidly correct the curvature of the spine. We recommend that patients plan for a five-day stay in London. This gives enough time for any specialist physiotherapy input and a further review with one of our scoliosis clinicians in addition to the service described above. Please note that patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for all appointments.

See how we assess, manufacture and fit a scoliosis brace in one day with our same-day service

Initial Virtual Appointment

We recommend that parents and patients arrange to have a free initial virtual scoliosis appointment with one of our clinical team. There is no charge for this appointment. During the appointment, you will be able to ask all the questions you have about the treatment, the brace-wearing regime and the treatment review process. Contact us by clicking the link or using the form below to book an appointment. Location of Kingston Clinic Our clinic is less than a 45-minute cab ride from Heathrow airport and under an hour from Gatwick. Address: 1 Elm Crescent, Kingston-upon-Thames, London KT2 6HL Hotel Accommodation The Double Tree by Hilton is a 4-star hotel that is under a 10-minute walk from the clinic. LOC's Kingston Upon Thames Headquarters

What is the LOC Scoliosis brace?

The London Orthotic Consultancy has been providing bracing treatment for scoliosis since it opened in 2005. Between 2016-2021 LOC prescribed and fitted derivatives of the Cheneau-Gensingen brace for its scoliosis patients where active intervention was indicated. Today there are several Cheneau-Gensingen derivatives. LOC launched its own in 2022, the LOC Scoliosis Brace. Our brace has been fine-tuned according to feedback from our patients and from referring spinal consultants, to ensure we are achieving as much skeletal correction as possible in-brace for each individual user, whilst also making our brace as comfortable as possible. We now have a year’s quantitative data on the in-brace curve correction we are achieving with the LOC Scoliosis brace – it’s just over 86%. This compares with Boston braces which aim to achieve 50% and other asymmetric braces that are available in the UK that achieve between 50-65%. More information about the LOC Scoliosis Brace International patient from Chile. In just 4 months in her LOC Scoliosis brace, her out-of-brace scans show that her Cobb angle has halved from 29 degrees down to 14 degrees.

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FAQs:

How do you treat scoliosis?

Treatment recommendations are based on the Cobb angle of the patient and the risk of progression. For curves under 20 degrees, we monitor the patient’s curve while the patient undertakes a tailored exercise programme based on Schroth principles; this is delivered by our partner in providing scoliosis treatment, Scoliosis SOS. For curves above 20 degrees, we prescribe our LOC Scoliosis Brace which works three-dimensionally to guide the patient’s spine into a more correct position, substantially reducing their Cobb angle. For optimum correction, we recommend that bracing is combined with specialist physiotherapy. This joint approach means our patients are getting the best and most appropriate advice from two scoliosis specialists, one with an orthotic perspective and one with a physiotherapy perspective.

How does the LOC Scoliosis Brace work?

The LOC Scoliosis Brace is a 3D, hypercorrective, Cheneau-Gensingen derivative brace, known as one of the most corrective and modern scoliosis braces available in the UK. It is designed to: correct and reduce the Cobb angle of a curve(s) correct both simple and complex curves reduce the need for surgery later in life help with pain management improve posture enhance the cosmetic appearance of scoliosis slow the progression of a curve before spinal surgery (See our Delayed surgery brace) The brace is entirely unique and tailored to the patient’s spinal curve pattern, ensuring optimal skeletal correction while prioritising comfort. Unlike traditional braces, it opens from the front for easier self-application and maintains a low profile under clothing. The LOC Scoliosis Brace is worn 22 hours a day (including nighttime) and works in conjunction with Schroth-based therapy for maximum results.

How quickly can my brace be fitted following my initial assessment?

LOC understands that time is of the essence, particularly for newly diagnosed adolescents where the scoliosis curve can get worse quickly; we now offer same-day service – a new patient can be assessed and fitted with a bespoke brace on the same day.

Can Scoliosis be treated in adults?

As adults have reached skeletal maturity and the vertebrae are no longer malleable, an orthotic brace is unlikely to be able to correct the existing Cobb angle of the patient. However, LOC prescribes bespoke back braces to reduce posture-related pain and improve appearance and posture.

What should I do if my child has scoliosis?

We are pleased to offer a free-of-charge, virtual assessment should you wish to be screened for scoliosis. If we feel a referral to an Orthopaedic Consultant is warranted, we recommend a consultation at The Wimbledon Clinic, Parkside with Mr Darren Lui, Mr Jason Bernard or Mr Tim Bishop. The consultant would arrange the imaging as required. Obviously, you can also seek advice from your family GP.

What does spinal surgery involve?

The operation used to treat severe scoliosis curves is typically spinal fusion surgery; a major procedure that involves moving muscles and realigning the skeleton into place. The curved, deformed vertebrae are fused together into a single bone, putting metal screws and rods into the spine to help straighten it. Surgery typically lasts between 4 and 8 hours depending on the severity of the curve. Bone graft is then taken from other parts of the body and used to cover the implants.

What is spinal surgery recovery like?

Following the operation, it is necessary to spend around a week in intensive care before returning home and the first few days are often uncomfortable. Most adolescents can expect to return to school from 2-4 weeks following surgery, but pain medication may be required up to 6 weeks following. A full recovery from the procedure can take up to a year, as it can take that long for the spine to heal fully. Spinal fusion surgery causes the fused portion of the back to become permanently stiff, as a result, returning to sports that require large amounts of flexibility (ballet, yoga, gymnastics, dance) or contact (rugby, football, karate, hockey) may take longer.

What are the risks?

Risks of spinal fusion surgery are like that of any other major procedure and include infection, blood clots and anaesthesia complications. The added risks include permanent nerve damage to the spine and paralysis.