Volume 87, Issue 11 , Pages 1447-1453, November 2006
The Potential Use of Axial Spinal Unloading in the Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Case Series
Abstract
Chromy CA, Carey MT, Balgaard KG, Iaizzo PA. The potential use of axial spinal unloading in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a case series.
Objective
To assess potential benefits of axial spinal unloading (LTX 3000 Lumbar Rehabilitation System) over a brief 3-month period.
Design
Before-after pilot study.
Setting
University research laboratory.
Participants
Five adolescent girls with scoliosis.
Interventions
Three laboratory sessions: (1) initial baseline, (2) immediately after 3-month treatment period (axial unloading by using LTX 3000 for two 10-minute treatments daily), and (3) 1 month posttreatment.
Main Outcome Measures
Initial baseline postural data were obtained from 2 sets of radiographs (standing anteroposterior [AP] and lateral, sitting AP and lateral), back range of motion measurements, and numeric pain scales. The following were assessed: static postural changes; potential functional benefits; and therapeutic compliance.
Results
All subjects elicited reductions in lumbar Cobb angles immediately after 3 months of treatment; initial average scoliotic curves of 13.7° were reduced 42% to 8° (α=.05, P=.004). Additionally, such reductions were evident 1 month posttreatment; average original curves were reduced by 27%. Subjects’ range of motion and lumbar lengthening were not significantly altered by this therapeutic protocol. Reported subject compliance was high (95%).
Conclusions
The LTX 3000 is a potential adjunct therapy for the treatment of adolescent scoliosis. This therapy resulted in curvature reductions and was widely accepted by subjects that were compliant with self-administration.
Key Words: Rehabilitation, Scoliosis, Traction, Treatment effectiveness
Supported by Spinal Designs International, Minneapolis, MN (unrestricted research gift).No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit upon the author(s) or upon any organization with which the author(s) is/are associated.
PII: S0003-9993(06)01266-4
doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2006.08.325
© 2006 The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Volume 87, Issue 11 , Pages 1447-1453, November 2006
