What is a TLSO spinal brace?
A TLSO spinal brace is a thermoplastic
custom made brace made to control your
child’s spinal curvature. It can be designed
to fasten down the front (one piece), or down
the sides (two piece).
Who needs to wear a spinal
brace?
Your child has been asked to wear a spinal
brace to try and control their spinal posture
and/or to slow deterioration of their curve
whilst they grow.
When does my child need to
wear their spinal brace?
Your child’s spinal consultant will inform you
how long your child needs to wear their
brace for. Usually, if your child has a
neurodisability or has growth rods, they will
need to wear the brace throughout the
daytime. It can be removed for swimming,
bathing, during therapy and at bed time.
If they have early onset or adolescent
idiopathic scoliosis, then the brace must be
worn for 23 hours a day, including in bed. It
can be removed for bathing. Research
shows those who wear the brace the
longest, have the greatest benefit.
How do I put the brace on?
The brace should be worn over a thin cotton
close fitting vest or t-shirt. Turning this inside
out can avoid rubbing from the seams. Other
clothing can then be worn over the top of the
brace to reduce pressure under it.
To apply a one piece brace
If your child is able to sit or stand on their
own:
•Stretch the brace apart and wrap it around
their middle from behind, placing the
opening at the front.
•Lie your child down in the brace, with their
knees bent up. Pull the brace into the
correct position so that the waist of the
brace lines up with their waist.
•Tighten the straps firmly so that the brace
is secured around their hips, waist and
chest. Make sure the strap across the hips
is done up firmly so the brace does not
slide up.
If your child cannot sit unaided:
•Sit them forward with support.
•Wrap the brace around their middle and
roll or lie down onto their back.
You should then be able perform the next
steps as in the paragraph above.
To apply a two piece spinal brace
•Put the back part of the brace onto the
bed then lie your child onto this. Make
sure their waist is lined up with the waist of
the brace.
•Lay the front half of the brace on top of
their chest. Make sure there is an equal
overlap on both sides and that the waist
lines up.
•Tighten the straps so the brace is secured
over the hips, waist and chest. Make sure
the strap across the hips is done up firmly
so the brace does not slide up.
The amount of time in the brace should be
gradually built up initially to improve your
child’s tolerance of the brace.
Skin care
You should check your child’s skin every day
after they’ve been wearing their brace. This
is particularly important if your child has any
changes in their sensation.
The brace may cause some marking or
redness, but should not cause any bruises,
blisters or pain. If red marks do not
disappear within 30 minutes of removing the
brace, then contact the physiotherapists on
020 7188 4660 to make an appointment to
review the brace.
The brace should initially be worn for a
couple of hours a day, gradually building up
until it is being worn for the prescribed time.
