Providence® Brace
The Providence® Brace is designed to correct scoliosis curves while the patient sleeps, providing an in-brace reduction at an average of 98%.
The Providence® Nocturnal Scoliosis System is a scoliosis brace that is worn while in a recumbent position.
The objective is to move the scoliosis curves to midline or beyond the midline through the application of controlled, direct, lateral and de-rotational forces to the spine.
- The recumbent position allows for greater correction of the scoliotic spine.
- The Providence® Brace uses overlapping 3-point pressure systems with opposing void and segmental de-rotation at selected points.
- This night-time brace allows optimal correction during critical growth hours.
- The Providence Natural Scoliosis® System uses a measuring board to provide a more precise and convenient measuring system for practitioners.
- The brace is not a full contact orthosis, only 30%-40% comes in direct contact with the patient leading to improved compliance.
Night-Time Bracing
The Providence® Brace is designed to be worn at night when optimal correction occurs during critical growth hours, when there is elevated output of Human Growth Hormone (HGH).
The maximum growth hormone is released during deep sleep. Peak secretions occur at around 12am – 2am, then drop, and then rise again slightly at dawn.
The patient wears the Providence® Brace while sleeping, and in the evening while doing homework or watching TV in a reclined position. For most patients this means 10-12 hours of wearing time and for juveniles it can be up to 16 hours, as opposed to the 20-23 hours per day required for full-time bracing.
Who is the Providence® Brace suitable for?
Providence® Brace treatment is appropriate for children who have been diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Whilst differing levels of curve size and type, diagnosis and patient age will determine the suitability for brace treatment, Providence Brace treatment is usually appropriate from 20° upwards in growing children.
The upper limit indicated for Providence bracing can vary depending on curve flexibility and age, generally braces may be indicated for higher curve magnitudes in younger immature children with the greatest growth potential.
Treatment Objectives
The Providence® Brace reduces the size of the curves by an average of 98% in brace, as demonstrated by in-brace x-rays. This degree of curve reduction, combined with high HGH output at night, positively affects spinal growth.
Maintaining the mechanical forces on the spine until the end of growth produces sustained outcomes long-term.
Wearing the Providence® Brace eliminates the social stigma of having to wear a full-time brace to school.
Provide some degree of curve correction. i.e. stable curve reduction in Cobb Angle 2+ years after brace treatment has ended.
Prevent curve progression. Stabilise the curve(s) at pre-treatment levels.
Slow Progression:
- Avoid progression to a surgical level.
- Delay Surgery to an optimal age, allowing full growth potential.
- Reduce the degree of surgical intervention, short fusion Vs long fusion, maintaining movement.
- Avoid the need for multiple surgeries.
Early Onset Scoliosis: When used in the treatment of Infantile and Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis, Providence® Braces may reduce curves, prevent or reduce progression during juvenile years. On occasion, curves may continue to be well managed into adolescent years, delaying or preventing surgery.
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: For Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) cases Providence® Braces may reduce curves, as well as potentially improve cosmetics; reducing rib prominence, levelling uneven shoulders, and balancing the waist shape.
Neuromuscular Scoliosis: This covers a wide range of conditions featuring scoliosis as a result from muscle imbalance or weakness. In such cases, Providence® Braces will offer support as well as some degree of 3D corrective action on the spine to prevent or slow curve progression and manage pain.
Brace Wear: the Providence® Brace is worn for 10 – 12 hours per day.
Designed specifically for recumbent wear only, the brace should be used when relaxing at night and during sleep. Laying on a bed, sofa or beanbag while watching TV, reading or using a tablet/mobile phone should all be possible wearing the brace.