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Shriners Children's offers comprehensive care, which means our services do not end with a diagnosis.

Our multidisciplinary team includes orthotists who work to determine and meet the specific needs of each child, then create a customized brace built-to-order – and made to chase dreams.

Bracing may be used to correct a condition or make it possible to pursue a favorite activity, like playing a sport. Braces can provide support for the spine, hip, knee, ankle and foot, as well arm, wrist and hand.

Children diagnosed with scoliosis, arthrogryposis, cerebral palsy, hip dysplasia and spina bifida often benefit from bracing. Bracing services are also available to children recovering from a play or athletics related injury, including anterior cruciate ligament tears, sprains and fractures.

Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.

Common Bracing Options

Options available range from simple soft shoe inserts and fabric knee sleeves to custom-made and uniquely fitted braces.

Spine/Scoliosis

Braces for spine/scoliosis conditions may include:

  • Boston Brace: The Boston brace applies corrective pressure on the outer side of the curve, cutting out corresponding areas of the inner side of the curve, so the spine will migrate in the desired direction.
  • Wilmington Brace: Fit like a tight jacket, the Wilmington brace is known as a full-contact thoracic lumbar sacral orthoses (TLSO) due to its lack of gaps or open spots.
  • Cheneau Brace: Applies pressure to the areas where de-rotation is needed, while expanding and not contacting the patient’s rib cage in the opposite areas. This allows for active muscle use and expansion with breath.

Foot & Ankle

Foot and ankle braces may include:

  • UCBL: Named for the laboratory where it was created, the University of California Berkeley Laboratories (UCBL) shoe insert is a maximum control foot orthosis. The UCBL is used to stabilize a flexible foot deformity.
  • Surestep: Provides stability for children whose feet pronate (turn or roll inward). This brace is particularly helpful in addressing stability issues for children with low muscle tone.
  • Ankle Foot Orthotic (AFO): Stabilizes the ankle and foot to keep them in a proper, aligned position.

Hip

Hip braces may include:

  • Reciprocating Gait Orthoses (RGO): Used to treat children diagnosed with spinal cord injuries or neurological diseases, an RGO is a full-body orthotic device. It consists of a hip-knee-ankle-foot orthosis (HKAFO), a custom-molded pelvic girdle and a thoracic extension.
  • Pavlick harness: A soft splint most commonly used for treating infants with hip dysplasia.
  • Rhino cruiser: Used to treat hip dysplasia in infants and toddlers, the Rhino Cruiser holds hips in the correct position while remaining flexible enough for walking.

Upper Extemity

Upper extremity braces may include:

  • Bamboo elbow extension: Flexible arm brace placed around the elbow to assist children in maintaining a more extended position at the elbow. This makes gross and fine motor skills easier to perform.
  • Slings and Splints: Used to support or immobilize, slings and splints are commonly used as part of injury care treatment for shoulders and elbows.
We use the latest technology, and customize every brace to meet each child's unique need. Whenever possible, we also use colors and patterns that reflect the child's personality too.
Frank, Shriners Children's Greenville
sports medicine patient playing basketball

Back in the Game with Sports Medicine and Injury Care

At Shriners Children's, we know sprains and fractures are often a predictable part of the playground and sometimes, a great game ends with a torn ACL. Our comprehensive injury care and sports medicine programs offer all elements necessary for a successful recovery.

Conditions We Treat

View All Related Conditions

Acute Flaccid Myelitis

Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) is a condition affecting the nerves in the spinal cord, mostly in children. Doctors and therapists at Shriners Children’s provide prompt, family-centered care tailored to your child’s needs.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a common knee injury seen in our sports medicine clinics. Shriners Children's specialists will determine if surgery is needed depending on the severity of the injury.

Arthrogryposis

Shriners Children's physicians have vast experience treating arthrogryposis, a rare muscle disorders that causes stiff joints and abnormal muscle development.

Cerebral Palsy

At Shriners Children's, our team of specialists provides individualized care for your child with cerebral palsy.

Hip Dysplasia

Our award-winning, internationally recognized physicians will properly diagnose, treat and monitor your child’s hip condition to help prevent early arthritis pain and loss of function.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine is curved sideways. With advanced treatments and world-class expertise, Shriners Children's cares for more than 10,000 children with scoliosis each year

Spina Bifida

At Shriners Children's, our unique team of specialists provides the highest quality care for your child with spina bifida.

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury occurs when nerves in the spinal column in the center of the back are damaged. Shriners Children’s offers advanced surgery options and therapy options to help restore your child’s function and mobility.

Next Steps

Request an Appointment

Families and caregivers seeking treatment should start by contacting us for an appointment.

Log in to the Patient Portal

Parents and guardians of existing patients can email, request records, schedule appointments and more.

Refer a Patient

Physicians and healthcare providers can request appointments, start transfers or contact us with questions.