A nine year old boy from Kent is helping a British medical manufacturer highlight the benefits of postural scoliosis suits for young people with curvature of the spine.
The lycra (elastane) “superhero” suit helps patients avoid radical surgery, whilst also eliminating the need for rigid bracing.
And new peer reviewed research published in Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders Journal is now providing GPs and musculoskeletal consultants with evidence into the positive effects of the dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses (DEFO) for the management of scoliosis in children – specifically those who are affected because of a neuromuscular condition, such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy.
Overall, scoliosis affects around 42,000 young people (aged 15 and under) in the UK, leading to three to four children per 1,000 needing specialist supervision. In most cases the cause is unknown (idiopathic).
This study (which looked at the clinical notes of 180 young patients) highlighted that 42% of children who had been diagnosed with scoliosis and prescribed a DEFO, saw their condition improve or not progress further.
12% of scoliosis patients were found to no longer need any intervention after an average period of 18 months.
Only a third of cases who were prescribed rigid bracing continued to use it, with 11% converting to using a DEFO.
Early intervention using DEFOs could also have a positive financial benefit to the NHS and privately funded healthcare.
The cost of surgical intervention for neuromuscular scoliosis is estimated to be approximately £32,000.
By contrast a DEFO costs a fraction of this price.
Determined to stay at mainstream school with his siblings and friends, Teddy Hazells was fitted with a spinal jacket (or rigid back brace) from a young age to help the scoliosis caused by his poor muscle tone (hypotonia).
Hazells’ mother Marie said: “Of course, he didn't like wearing it, it was uncomfortable and was simply something he knew would have to put up with - which he did, putting it on every morning before school without too much fuss.
“It did the job – it literally propped him up.
“But I was determined that as he grew up I would find him an alternative; something that would support him, stop the scoliosis from getting worse and allow him to progress to the best of his ability.”
Marie’s search led her to DM Orthotics and, with the support and advice of her physio and Teddy’s spinal surgeon at London’s Evelina Hospital (Mr Khai Lam) Teddy made the transition to wearing the DMO Suit.
“Just a year in and we still cannot believe the difference the suit has made to Teddy’s quality of life. Straight away we noticed he was happier more comfortable, full of confidence and had so much more energy and concentration.
“His teachers and wonderful teaching assistant are delighted by the progress he’s making in so many areas - particularly his handwriting.
“We are so pleased that his ability to walk and sit up comfortably has improved so much – as well as the fact he can now enjoy swimming, whilst still wearing his brightly coloured support suit in the water.”
Designed with young children in mind, the colours and even details such as stitching can be chosen by the wearer – and can comfortably be worn under school uniform.
Marie said: “As we build up to the 2016 Paralympics we all tell Teddy he looks like he’s wearing his GB Cycling Lycras, which he just loves.”
Scoliosis is the abnormal twisting and curvature of the spine that affects a person’s appearance by “pulling” the ribcage out of position and which may also cause a lump to form on the back.
Other possible signs of scoliosis are a shoulder blade that sticks out or an uneven waist.
Lead author and managing director of DM Orthotics, (which is based in Redruth, Cornwall) Martin Matthews, said: “There is little doubt that our study has produced some very interesting results, putting forward strong evidence for the wider use of DEFO’s in the management and prevention of neuropathic onset scoliosis in children and as a positive alternative to rigid bracing and invasive surgery.”