The Charleston Bending Brace Foundation

The Charleston Bending Brace was developed by Dr. Frederick Reed and Mr. Ralph Hooper, CPO, and introduced in 1979. This brace is worn during sleep. It is molded to conform to the patient's body while bending towards the convexity of the curve. A preliminary study and subsequent longer term follow-up of those using the nighttime bending brace are encouraging, particularly for a single curve. The potential for a patient to wear a part-time brace while sleeping, rather than the usual full-time (22-23 hours) regimen is cited as an important benefit.

A successful outcome is achieved from bracing by having a highly skilled orthotist or brace maker work hand in hand with the orthopedist to craft a brace precisely tailored to the patient's needs. Sometimes an exercise pro gram is also provided.Subsequently, the physician will have the patient return for routine checkups and order X-rays to make sure the brace is working. He will prescribe periodic adjustments as necessary.

The brace is worn until the physician has determined that skeletal maturity has been reached at which time the patient will be gradually weaned from the brace.

The goals of the Charleston Bending Brace program are to maintain the patient's scoliotic curvatures at, or near, pre-brace values throughout the growth period and on to skeletal maturity. Other goals are to promote better brace wear compliance through the nocturnal wear aspect. This component alone may reduce patient and family conflict, while helping to eliminate negative self-image problems associated with brace wear in adolescents.

The Advantages of the CBB Program

There are several distinct advantages to the Charleston Bending Brace program, nearly all of which are related to the nightwear component:

1. Allows full, unrestricted musculoskeletal development.
2. Allows opportunity for athletic participation, if desired.
3. Causes fewer and less severe complications.
4. Delayed complications are negligible, since brace is worn less time than not.
5. Results can be assessed without the customary long-term follow-up.
6. Decision-making regarding success or failure of the program can be made earlier.