The potential use of axial spinal unloading in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a case series.
OBJECTIVE
To assess potential benefits of axial spinal unloading (LTX 3000 Lumbar Rehabilitation System) over a brief 3-month period.


METHODS
Before-after pilot study.


METHODS
University research laboratory.


METHODS
Five adolescent girls with scoliosis.


METHODS
Three laboratory sessions: (1) initial baseline, (2) immediately after 3-month treatment period (axial unloading by using LTX 3000 for two 10-minute treatments daily), and (3) 1 month posttreatment.


METHODS
Initial baseline postural data were obtained from 2 sets of radiographs (standing anteroposterior [AP] and lateral, sitting AP and lateral), back range of motion measurements, and numeric pain scales. The following were assessed: static postural changes; potential functional benefits; and therapeutic compliance.


RESULTS
All subjects elicited reductions in lumbar Cobb angles immediately after 3 months of treatment; initial average scoliotic curves of 13.7 degrees were reduced 42% to 8 degrees (alpha = .05, P = .004). Additionally, such reductions were evident 1 month posttreatment; average original curves were reduced by 27%. Subjects' range of motion and lumbar lengthening were not significantly altered by this therapeutic protocol. Reported subject compliance was high (95%).


CONCLUSIONS
The LTX 3000 is a potential adjunct therapy for the treatment of adolescent scoliosis. This therapy resulted in curvature reductions and was widely accepted by subjects that were compliant with self-administration.
Chromy
Catherine A
CA
Physical Therapy Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Carey
Michael T
MT
Balgaard
Kristopher G
KG
Iaizzo
Paul A
PA
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014143:Traction / Q000295:instrumentation