Brace boost for scoliosis
Irish children could avoid surgery with US device
CHILDREN with scoliosis could be spared surgery with the help of a new brace from the US.
The bespoke device, created with a 3D printer, can be provided in just two weeks for kids suffering with the painful sideways-curved spinal condition.
And with nearly 200 Irish youngsters waiting for surgery, the UNYQ device could be a game-changer.
Currently available in five US cities including San Francisco and New York, the “spinal wear” is designed to help children try to prevent the need for surgery.
UNYQ is hoping to find a clinical partner in Ireland so the company can bring the device here.
Orthopaedics chief for the firm Lisa Tweardy claimed in cities where the brace is available between 25% and 40% of kids are referred them by their doctor.
An anatomical – or 3D – scan is taken of the patient in the clinic then the UNYQ team designs the brace and customises it to the child’s preferences, anatomy and age.
It goes to the printer and gets assembled then is sent back to the clinic to be fitted.
The device costs around €2,200 to €3,100 in the US and is generally covered by health insurance providers.
UNYQ’S Eythor Bender said: “We have, finally, technology available such as 3D printers that make it possible to make these spinal wears so much better.” But he admits discussions in Ireland about surgical waiting lists don’t seem to mention the devices.
And Mr Bender said with the long waiting lists he feels compelled to tell people here about the braces.
He added: “We would just like to make sure people in Ireland are aware. I feel I’m obligated to talk about the devices – I can no longer sit on the sidelines.”
According to the HSE, there are 163 children waiting for scoliosis-related surgeries. This includes 107 on the list for surgery at Crumlin Hospital, 41 at Temple Street and an additional 15 at Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital in Finglas.
Some have waited more than a year for surgery despite a commitment by Health Minister Simon Harris in 2017 that children would not wait more than four months.
I can’t sit on the side any longer, I feel obligated to tell people about these
EYTHOR BENDER YESTERDAY