: heart defects and scoliosis

[Guest guest]

I posted 4 months ago after my 2 year old son was diagnosed mild

infantile scoliosis. His curve started out at 13 degrees 7 months

ago - then 4 months ago it was 16. Now it is up to 22 degrees and

his orthopedist has ordered an MRI of his spine (scheduled for

January 7) to rule out any cord abnormalities. If the MRI is normal,

then he has ordered him to have a TLSO brace.

also has complex heart defects and has already had 3 open heart

surgeries and another surgery to repair a paralyzed diaphragm.

Apparently this makes him at higher risk of having a cord problem.

He also has a feeding tube to help him keep a healthy weight.

I asked the ortho about casting - and he replied that they did that

a long time ago, but a brace does just as good and is more " family

friendly " . He also said that he normally waits until the curve is at

least 25 degrees, but because only has one functioning lung he

wants to get a head start - especially because it is progressing.

Any thoughts on this? Also, they said because the MRI is of the

ENTIRE spine, it would take 3 hours - so he'll need to be put to

sleep - does that sound right? Do most kids adjust to the brace

quickly?

Thanks for your help

Mom to , almost 3 years old