Compensatory Curves

Sometimes scoliosis practitioners will place too much focus on the alignment of a compensatory curve, particularly when it is a lumbar curve, stating that their goal is to have perfect alignment of the lower segments. In reality a compensatory curve is rarely of concern and can even sometimes be ignored if it helps with maximizing the correction of the structural curve. For instance, Penny’s 45-degree structural thoracic curve corrected in her LA 3D brace to 19-degrees.

However, her 36-degree compensatory lumbar curve only corrected to 24-degrees. This is not a concern as we are maximizing the correction of the structural thoracic curve. With minor adjustments to the brace it is believed we will have reduced both curves further to approx. 15 degree thoracic and 20 degree lumbar. Her prognosis as long she continues to wear her brace full-time is excellent.