MedFriendly®
Thoracolumbosacral Orthosis (TLSO)
A thoracolumbosacral orthrosis (TLSO) is a supportive
brace that is used to keep the back straight after
surgery. Specifically, a TLSO brace is used to support
the thoracic (which is where the word, “thoraco-"
comes from) area of the spine and prevents it from
moving. The word "thoracic" refers to the thorax, which
is the medical term for the chest. Thus, the thoracic
area of the spine is the part of the spine that is behind
the chest. The brace is mostly made of hard plastic
material and worn on the front and back of the body to
provide maximal support as can be seen in the picture
to the right.
A TLSO brace.
FEATURED BOOK: Scoliosis Prevention and Treatment
A TLSO brace also supports the lumbar (which is where the word "lumbo-" comes from)
and sacral areas of the spine. The lumbar area of the spine is the part that is below the
chest and is in the area of the loin. The loin is the part of the back between the lowest
pair of ribs of the chest and the top of the pelvis.
The pelvis is a massive bone made of hip bones on each side and the front, while the
in the lower part of the spine). An orthosis is an appliance that is placed on the body with
the purpose of preventing or assisting movement of the spine or the limbs (arms and/or
legs).
"Where Medical Information is Easy to Understand"™
