Back, Ears, and Teeth...Oh, my!

Next Thursday's appointment has set my mind a rolling. I've been trying to educate myself as much as possible on congenital scoliosis and the use of braces. Thought I'd share some of the information I've found so far:

>>The general rule is that bracing is ineffective for congenital bone malformations of the spine. An external brace can not correct or even support a spine that wasn't formed correctly in the first place. A brace does offer some support to the muscles and soft tissue for those extreme cases of kids who have neuromuscular disease or are unable to support themselves in a sitting position. A brace tends to be more work and frustration for parents and patients than its worth. Another thing rare situation is that long term bracing in very young kids can cause underdeveloped ribs. If the bones in the chest are not able to have free movement (in and out with breathing) they do not fully form. The in and out motion is what makes them mature and become solid bones.<< This information was received from a support group that I belong to, please keep in mind, that the information is not from a medical expert, but from a medical mom who has become quite an expert, her son, nearly 12, has undergone many surgeries for his CS, including VEPTR surgery, which is something we may consider further down the road with Colin.

>>Bracing is rarely used in congenital scoliosis as the primary treatment. Bracing has never been shown to profoundly change the pattern of abnormal growth that results from most vertebral malformations. It is sometimes useful to brace secondary curves that result from the congenital malformation.<< from iScoliosis.com. It also added that a brace may possibly prevent a curve from continuing to increase. May possibly.

So, I'm still not sold on rebracing. The rib issue is something I would really like to address if the topic represents itself, especially since Colin is primarily an abdominal breather...meaning that he tends to use his abdominal muscles to assist in breathing, especially when his breathing is labored.

I finally got all of Colin's CTs and MRIs, along with pictures of him and his most recent audiogram (hearing test) sent off to the perspective doctor in Virgina. I have been praying hard that as he examines all of Colin's information, he will see promise for opening his inner and outer canal on his affected side. This could provided him with complete or nearly complete or partial hearing on that side...any of which would be excellent. Our current doctor thought he was a candidate early on, thus the 4 outer ear reconstruction surgeries. Once the day came, he said that Colin's ear canals haven't grown at a significant rate and that he felt the canals were too close to the facial nerves on his left side to permit opening. But, this VA doctor is supposed to be one of the top two in the nation. He's done many, many of these repairs. I am praying he sees something different.

And, of a totally normal kid nature, we head to the dentist this month as well. Just for a cleaning, which I am sure our fruit-snack lover is much in need of.