My 14 yr old son diagnosed Scheuermann's - will the brace work?

Hi Catheine, Sorry to hear about your son. I was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis at 14. Not the same but the treatment is similar. I was in  a plaste cast for 3months from my neck down to the tops of my legs with a hole in the middle to let my stomach expand and contact. After it was removed I was braced. Again it was from the neck down. I was bullied terribly at school and after a year I could not cope mentally and gave up on it. There was no improvement. I then slid off the consultants list so to speak and was left. I saw my GP many times over the years saying I was getting worse. It was ignored. I trapped a nerve in my neck and that started the ball rolling again. I was operated on last Feb,at the age of 57 and  so nearly a year on. I have two rods and 17 screws. My top curve had progressed to 71degrees,lower 48. The brace is a big commmitment and like your son I was sporty and into ballet. The operation is big so do not think of it as a quick fix. I have been told it is a 2 year recovery. I have just started to do light sport, swimming, core ballet moves and general core exercises. If you are brave enough have a look on you tube at the operation that is what I did. You have to decide if your son has the commitment of the brace and ask yourself does it really work. My consultant told me they do not brave people anymore and it has proven it does not work. He heads up the Spinal Unit at Stoke Mandevile Hospital in the Uk. It is world famous for its spinal unit. As he is still growing he could have the operation done now. I understand you being terrified as we all know the consequences of the dangers of this operation, but think how many people have had it done and move on to a more positive and happier life. You need to talk to your son about the options and speak frankly to your doctor. Make sure they have valid resons to not want to operate yet and not just because they prefer to brace. As mine was left the middle section of my spine stiffened so they couldonly correct my to 38degrees, so bear this in mind to. The first 5 weeks post surgery are the toughest, although they get you up walking almost the next day following surgery. I now feel great and the difference is incredible. Never going to be straight but the operation was worth it. I think your gut instict will tell you what is best for your son. Best Wishes with your decision. Oh by the way 40/50degrees would be considered operable in the UK. 

Im 18 an three months post op drom my shermans deases spinal fuaion surgery. My curve was 85 but like your son it was progreasive. My surgon told me the brace would not fix the curve but stop it fetting worse, he also told me i would have to wear it about 20 houres aday and i am i kickboxer so he told me there would be no point unless i stop training. Im 3 months after surgery now an feeling fine have a curve of 20 (well in normal range) and have been swimming an running.

Personly i think the brace would be a wast of time if its not going to get rid of the curve.

Best of luck hope this helped

I was not diagnosed as having Scheuermann's kyphosis until late in life, so I cannot help with the brace.

common sense gives me doubt. As you know, the cause is that the upper face of each affected vertebra is 'wedged' so my layman's guess is that it will impose strain without straightening.

however, you must ask the doctors. I imagine they would not do it if it will not achieve some benefit.

It's unclear to me whether you've been seen by a deformity specialist (orthopaedic or neuro surgeon).  If you haven't please do so.  They're the one's who can tell you whether bracing is a good option for your son.  The anecdotal evidence you'll get here may not even apply in your son's case.

Hi Catherine,

This is a tough one.I had to have metal rods put on my spine and had a 56 degree curve(S shaped)-I was an active gymnast,and when this happened, that went away forever.I then had to wear a brace for 6 months, and the brace wasn't too bad.

My concern for your son is that is a pretty signifant curve.My other concern is that he is in pain. At 56 degrees, I never had any pain.This makes me think he has a lower back issue, and at his age,something doesn't make sense.

I tried looking this up online for you, and it's half of people who say braces don't work, the other half who say you rarely need surgery,but that's starting at a 44 degree curve.

Now, with that said, I have had rods for 27 years, and eventually, because of scoliosis,they won't do any good, and I hurt,but people my age hurt with no back problems such as this.But, rods have a failure rate which is quite scary, even more so after you have had them in for a while.The info I've gotten from doctors,would blow you away.Now, scoliosis is a progresive disease, and never stops.I don't know if that is the same for your sons illness.

I think this is a situation where you are going to have to go with the flow.If he's 14, then doing the brace will give you more of an idea as to if this will work for him.I would give it 6 months and then re evaluate.

If you have the finances, come here to the U.S.and I'll even welcome you into my home, no charge.I get a bit nervous when I hear Canada Health care,so whatever I can do, I'm here for him, and you! 

He sounds like a tough cookie, and so do you.These things are never cut and dry,and there is never a perfect decision,but once he goes under the knife, there is no turning back.To get rods taken out, increases your risk of major problems by a huge amount.

Just trust in god that he will give you the answers when the time is right,and trust in yourself, and your son, that you will both know what's needed as time progresses.You wil be in my heart, and prayers.