Chicago City Wire

Shriners Children's has developed a Brace Compliance Program aimed at enhancing the care of patients with idiopathic scoliosis. This initiative focuses on objectively measuring thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis (TLSO) brace wear times to improve health outcomes.

Idiopathic scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, often appearing after age 10. While many cases require only monitoring, some necessitate treatment to prevent progression. "The use of a well-fitted TLSO is a mainstay in the treatment we provide to prevent progression," said Keith Gettys, M.D., from Shriners Children’s Greenville.

The program began as a research project in 2018 under Henry Iwinski, M.D., then Chief of Staff at Shriners Children's Lexington. It was later adopted clinically due to positive results and physician support. Currently, over 400 active patients participate in Lexington's program.

"Compliance monitors allow us to quantify how much a child is actually wearing the brace and determine if our treatment is being effective," stated Vincent Prusick, M.D. The system uses iButtons—small thermal sensors—to track brace wear time accurately.

Madeleine O’Brien from Shriners Children’s Northern California highlighted the importance of accurate compliance tracking: "Without the iButton, the care team does not have accurate insight as to if the patients are wearing their braces as prescribed at home."

René Mackechnie from Shriners Children’s New England emphasized patient compliance's role in effective treatment: "We know that patient compliance is essential to the effectiveness of brace treatment for patients with scoliosis."

Dr. Prusick noted that families appreciate seeing progress reports during visits: "It can be a moment of pride for the kids that have put in the hard work."

Plans are underway to expand this program further within Shriners Children's facilities across various locations, including Northern California and Chicago. Noah Smith remarked on team collaboration: "Each team member works together to find the best way to bring the Brace Compliance Program forward at their site."