Scoliosis is a condition that causes an abnormal curvature in the spine that is usually detected in children between the ages of 10-15. Scoliosis affects 2-3% of the population, which is roughly 7 million people in the United States.

Health care providers don’t know the causes are for the most common type of scoliosis, called idiopathic scoliosis, but most speculate that it is hereditary. Some other less common types of scoliosis include neuromuscular conditions, like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy; birth defects; infant surgery on the chest wall; spinal injuries or infections; and spinal cord irregularities.

Scoliosis affects males and females equally, but females with scoliosis are 8 times more likely to have a severe enough condition that it requires treatment. The condition most commonly develops at the time of a major growth spurt prior to puberty. However, in some cases it can be present at birth, or develop in early childhood, and even adulthood.

Treatment plans for scoliosis can vary depending on how old the patient is, how severe the condition is, and how likely the condition is to worsen over time. In some cases, a child or adolescent will require surgery to treat scoliosis. The surgery typically involves inserting metal rods next to the spine to help stabilize it. As the child grows, the rods will need to be lengthened. A far more common treatment, especially for those that are not done growing, is bracing.

Bracing treatment requires a patient to wear a back brace used to stop or slow the curvature of the spine and prevent it from getting worse. Braces are typically worn nearly 24 hours a day with the patient only removing them for showering. Other treatment plans may have patients only wearing their braces at night during sleep. Regardless of the treatment plan, one common complication is irritation and discomfort.

Knit-Rite developed Torso Interfaces® in 1980 to help minimize this discomfort and provide improved skin protection for the patient. Since then, Knit-Rite has improved on the already comforting properties of torsos. Torso interfaces can be worn with all types of spinal orthoses and body jackets. A seamless finish and outstanding stretch allow for a comfortable fit and the machine-washable, latex-free material doesn’t irritate skin.

Knit-Rite torsos are available in a full range of sizes, as well as two distinct fiber choices. CoolMax®/Lycra® is a premier moisture wicking fiber. The Ionic+®/Lycra® contains antimicrobial fibers and is especially helpful when skin rashes are noticeable. Both fibers help to keep the wearer cool, dry, and comfortable.