[Orthopaedic technology and neuromuscular scoliosis : Orthotics, wheelchair seating shells and positioning aids]

Children and adolescents with neuromuscular scoliosis usually undergo severe challenges with their respiratory and locomotor systems during growth. Early onset scoliotic deformities take a whole team of specialists to ease the problematic side effects associated with poor posture and seating abilities. Wheelchairs and seating shells need to be adjusted as does suitable bracing for the collapsing spine. Key issues are the maintenance of proper lung function and upright sitting in the wheelchair or seating shell. Although spine bracing can be helpful and has its place in seating, the natural history of progression in neuromuscular curvatures is rarely sustainably stopped. While bracing is sometimes not tolerated by patients with severe hypotonic thoracic collapse and breathing issues, it can otherwise buy time for some patients to gain height and weight before surgical intervention inevitably takes place.