Entries by mhoff
A Patient & Parent Guide: How Scoliosis Is Diagnosed
Scoliosis is a sideways curve and twist of the spine that often shows up in kids and teens. It can be mild or more pronounced, and it sometimes runs in families. About 2 to 3 percent of kids have it, which means it is common and manageable. So how is scoliosis diagnosed? Doctors start with […]
A Parent’s Guide to Scoliosis Braces for Kids and Teens
Hearing the word scoliosis at a checkup can make your stomach drop. Many parents picture scary back problems or painful treatments, and kids often worry they did something wrong. In most cases, scoliosis simply means that the spine curves instead of being straight. For many children and teens, doctors watch the curve. For some, they […]
Understanding the Benefits of Scoliosis Braces for Kids and Teens
Scoliosis means the spine curves in ways it shouldn’t. Most often, this appears in kids and teens during their growth years. When a growing spine starts to shift, parents and kids want options. Scoliosis braces are one of the most common ways to slow down or stop the curve from getting worse. People often wonder […]
Halo Gravity Traction Explained: A Parent’s Guide
Hearing that your child needs halo gravity traction can stop you in your tracks. The name sounds intense, and the equipment can look scary at first. Most parents have the same questions right away: Why does my child need this, what will it feel like, and how do we get through the hospital stay? Halo […]
From Scoliosis Patient to Pediatric Orthotist: Sophia’s Story
Sophia still remembers the day her scoliosis journey began because it wasn’t in a doctor’s office, but at school. It was a routine grade-school scoliosis screening with the school nurse. When she returned to class, she realized she was the only student holding a letter recommending a follow-up visit with her pediatrician. At the time, […]
Alfie’s Story- How the DF2® Brace helped keep the magic of a family’s Disney vacation alive
An Unexpected Injury Alfie’s mother, a seasoned veterinary nurse with 18 years of experience, immediately recognized the type of break and braced herself for the usual treatment—a heavy, restrictive cast. But the local medical team in Orlando had a different idea. A Surprising Alternative to the Traditional Cast The DF2 brace turned out to be a […]
Jackson’s Story: Early Action, Big Results in Plagiocephaly Care
When Jackson was born, his parents already knew what to look for. Their older son, Ethan, had also experienced plagiocephaly, so they were familiar with the early signs. “Within Jackson’s first month, we noticed some flattening on the back of his head. At his two-month checkup, our pediatrician confirmed our concerns,” his mom recalls. “He […]
Common Halo Gravity Traction Terminology Explained for Families
Halo gravity traction (HGT) is a treatment that gently uses a halo (a ring attached to the skull with small pins) and a traction system (ropes, pulleys, weights, or springs) to help gradually stretch and straighten the spine over a period of time. It’s often used before spine surgery so the correction can happen in […]
When Is Surgery Recommended for Scoliosis?
Most children diagnosed with scoliosis will never need surgery. Many curves remain small or can be managed with observation or bracing. However, when the spinal curve continues to grow and reaches certain thresholds, surgeons may begin discussing surgical options to prevent long-term deformity and maintain spinal balance. Understanding when surgery becomes necessary depends on more […]