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Volume 87, Issue 11, Pages 1447-1453 (November 2006)


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The Potential Use of Axial Spinal Unloading in the Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Case Series

Catherine A. Chromy, DPTa, Michael T. Carey, DPTa, Kristopher G. Balgaard, DPTa, Paul A. Iaizzo, PhDbCorresponding Author Informationemail address

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.

a Physical Therapy Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

b Departments of Surgery and Physiology and the Biomedical Engineering Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.

Corresponding Author InformationReprint requests to Paul A. Iaizzo, PhD, Dept of Surgery, University of Minnesota, B172 Mayo, MMC 107, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455

 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


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