Cervical-Thoracolumbosacral Orthosis (CTLSO) in New Mexico

At PrimeCare Orthotics & Prosthetics, our CTLSO braces are designed with comfort, effectiveness, and patient mobility in mind to ensure that each individual receives personalized, high-quality orthopedic care. If you or a loved one needs spinal support, our experienced and friendly team is here to guide you through the best treatment options available.

What Is a CTLSO?

A CTLSO brace is a comprehensive spinal orthosis that extends from the pelvis to the cervical spine. This custom-fitted device combines a pelvic girdle with thoracic extensions and a neck ring to precisely control and support the entire spine. Unlike standard spinal braces, a CTLSO features an adjustable cervical component with a chin piece that helps maintain proper head and neck alignment while limiting harmful movements during the healing process.

MCL/LCL Knee Braces

A Milwaukee brace is a specific type of CTLSO primarily used in children and adolescents with scoliosis or Scheuermann’s disease. It is most effective when prescribed during the growth spurt to prevent spinal curve progression. A CTLSO brace isn’t recommended for adults or those who have completed their skeletal growth.

How a CTLSO Brace Works

The foundation of the brace is a snug pelvic corset that wraps around the waist and iliac crests to keep the pelvis in a slightly tilted position. This helps decrease excessive lower back curvature (lumbar lordosis), which is common in scoliosis. From this base, sturdy metal uprights extend upward, connecting to a neck ring that sits at a slight angle. The neck ring includes a throat mold positioned just under the chin — not pressing against it but gently guiding the head back into proper alignment.

To address rib rotation, a strategically placed pressure pad applies corrective force where needed. This pad, secured with a broad leather strap, works to gradually shift the ribs into a more balanced position. Since the brace is adjustable, it can accommodate growth and changes over time and offers ongoing support.

By working together, these elements help stabilize the spine, guide posture, and support improved function in those who need corrective spinal care.

Conditions That CTLSO Braces Treat

At PrimeCare, our CTLSO braces provide essential support for a variety of spinal conditions, offering stability, correction, and protection during critical recovery and growth phases:

    • Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS): Particularly effective when the Cobb angle is between 20° and 40° and helps to slow or prevent progression.
    • Post-Operative Cervical Fusion Stabilization: Ensures proper healing and alignment after spinal surgery.
    • High Thoracic Compression Fractures: Provides stability and pain relief for vertebral fractures in the upper back.
    • Cervical Spine Trauma & Injuries: Offers immobilization and protection after accidents, falls, or impact injuries affecting the neck and upper spine.
    • Kyphosis Correction & Management: Helps maintain spinal alignment and posture in conditions like Scheuermann’s disease or age-related kyphosis.
    • Spinal Deformity Prevention in Growing Children: Helps prevent worsening curvature during rapid growth spurts.
    • Osteoporotic Fracture Support: Provides crucial stability for fragile bones due to osteoporosis, reducing pain and risk of further injury.
    • Complex Cervical-Thoracic Injuries: Manages instability caused by multiple fractures, trauma, or post-surgical recovery.
    • Conservative Treatment for Spinal Instabilities: A non-invasive alternative to surgery for managing conditions like spinal stenosis, spondylosis, and disc herniation.
    Most Stable Brace

Take Control of Your Spinal Health

Contact PrimeCare today — don't let spinal conditions limit your life.

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Wearing Schedule Guidelines

The recommended wearing time for CTLSO braces varies by condition and treatment plan. Generally, patients build up to wearing the brace 20-23 hours daily over a 2-3 week period. Your orthotist will create a personalized wearing schedule based on your needs.

How to Put On Your Cervical-Thoracolumbosacral Orthosis

It’s essential that you properly apply your orthosis so it’s effective. The process should be performed while you’re lying flat to ensure you’re in the correct position:

  • Most Stable Brace
    1. Start with a clean, dry undershirt to protect your skin.
    2. While lying flat, have your helper position the back section centrally along your spine.
    3. Ensure the pelvic girdle sits just above the hip bones.
    4. Position the neck ring component with the occipital support aligned with the base of your skull.
    5. Roll onto your back carefully while maintaining alignment.
    6. Apply the front section and align the chin piece properly.
    7. Systematically tighten straps from bottom to top, ensuring even pressure.
    8. Verify that the chin piece provides comfortable support without causing excessive pressure.
    9. Double-check all alignments and strap tensions before you stand up.

Safely Removing Your Brace

To remove your CTLSO:

  • Medium Stability Brace
    1. Lie flat on your back.
    2. Loosen all straps systematically.
    3. Remove the front section first.
    4. Roll carefully to your side.
    5. Have a helper remove the back section.
    6. Maintain spinal alignment throughout the process.
    7. Inspect your skin for any areas of irritation.

PrimeCare’s Comprehensive Custom CTLSO Care Process

From the initial consultation to long-term follow-up care, our goal is to ensure optimal fit, comfort, and support for each patient’s unique needs. Here’s what you can expect along the way.
Our Process
  • Initial Consultation

    The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your condition. Our specialists carefully review your medical history, imaging, and spinal measurements to gain a full understanding of your needs. We also discuss your lifestyle, daily activities, and goals to ensure your CTLSO brace offers the necessary support while allowing for as much mobility as possible.

  • Custom Fitting

    Once we’ve gathered all the necessary information, we move forward with the custom fitting process. Using precise body measurements and advanced scanning technology, we create a detailed molding pattern that serves as the foundation for your brace. We select materials to provide the right balance of durability, comfort, and support. Before finalizing the brace, we conduct an initial prototype fitting to make any needed refinements and ensure it fits you optimally.

  • Adjustment & Training

    When your custom CTLSO brace is ready, we will fine-tune its components to ensure it is both comfortable and effective. You’ll receive a personalized wearing schedule to help your body adjust gradually. Rest assured that our team provides detailed care instructions so you know how to properly wear, clean, and maintain your brace. If needed, an occupational therapist will guide you through movement training to help you confidently and easily go about your daily activities.

  • Follow-Up Care

    Your care doesn’t stop once you receive your brace as we’re passionate about offering ongoing support. We schedule regular follow-ups to track your progress, make any necessary adjustments, and ensure your skin remains healthy while wearing the brace. Over time, your body may change, and we’ll update your treatment plan accordingly to maintain the best possible support and functionality.

Why PrimeCare Is the Right Choice for Your CTLSO Brace

At PrimeCare, we understand that a CTLSO brace isn’t just a medical device — it’s a crucial part of your recovery and daily comfort. That’s why we try to ensure the best possible fit and function.
Personalized Support

Custom Fit for Maximum Comfort

Each brace is designed with careful attention to detail to provide optimal spinal support without unnecessary bulk or discomfort.
Latest Technologies

Ongoing Support and Adjustments

We provide regular follow-ups to ensure your CTLSO brace continues to fit and function as it should. If you ever need adjustments, whether routine or urgent, our team is ready to help.
Experienced Team

Cutting-Edge Technology for Better Mobility

We stay at the forefront of orthotic advancements, using premium materials and innovative design techniques. This means every CTLSO brace we provide offers the stability you need without restricting your movement more than necessary.

Patient Success Stories

amputation and successful recovery
William E. Apodaca Fisk
lower Limb Prosthetics
Patient had to undergo a below the knee amputation of right leg to save his life. The use of his current prosthesis, which was fabricated using Ossur Prosthetics direct socket system, makes the patient feel, “like this prosthesis is part of my body and I have more control of my prosthesis.” Patient was able to get back to living a very active lifestyle thanks to the proper goal setting, latest technology and fitting techniques available from Primecare.
5.0
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patient’s prosthesis
Ralph Merrill
lower limb prosthetics
Patient suffered a tragic motorcycle accident when a vehicle ran a red light and hit him, resulting in an above-the-knee amputation. Patient was fitted with a prosthesis using the latest technology available with a microprocessor. Patient states, “my mobility really increased" [with the new prosetheses and vacuum with suction suspension]
5.0
View Our Patient Success Stories
life after amputation
Janet Rodriguez
walkable prosthetic
I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on my right femur and knee cap at the age of 17. The tumor was not shrinking after 4 months of chemo and I made the decision to get it amputated.
5.0
View Our Patient Success Stories
overcoming osteomyelitis through prosthetics
Case Study: Overcoming Osteomyelitis Through Customized Prosthetics
Lower Limb Prosthetics
Through our collaborative efforts, the patient achieved positive outcomes and regained a significant level of functionality. He surpassed traditional expectations by expediting his rehabilitation timeline, reducing his reliance on a walker sooner than anticipated.
5.0
View Our Patient Success Stories
Leonard Sandgren
Lower Limb Prosthetics
Leonard faced a leg amputation due to an infected injury. Seeking to reclaim his active lifestyle, he turned to us for a custom prosthetic solution. Through personalized care and advanced tech, Leonard quickly regained mobility and resumed his favorite activities.
5.0
View Our Patient Success Stories
Jose Julio Flores Gonzalez
Lower Limb Prosthetics
Facing an amputation due to osteomyelitis, Jose received a custom prosthetic. Through personalized care and rehabilitation, he quickly regained mobility, surpassed expectations, and resumed his active lifestyle, including hiking and playing guitar.
5.0
View Our Patient Success Stories
custom prosthetics
Mark Yelsma
Lower Limb Prosthetics
Mark faced a leg amputation due to a bone infection, but refused to let it define him. Partnering with us, he sought a custom prosthesis. Through personalized care and innovative Direct Lamination technology, Mark regained mobility and pursued his passions.
5.0
View Our Patient Success Stories
custom prosthetics
Rene Antillon
Lower Limb Prosthetics
Rene's active life was disrupted by a leg amputation, but he refused to let it define him. Partnering with PrimeCare, he found personalized care and advanced prosthetic technology that helped him reclaim his independence and rediscover the joy of movement.
5.0
View Our Patient Success Stories
Rediscovering Joy with Prosthetics After Amputation Due to Diabetes
Norma Cardova
Lower Limb Prosthetics
Norma faced an amputation due to diabetes. Refusing to be defined by her loss, she partnered with PrimeCare to find the perfect prosthetic fit. This journey tested her resilience, but ultimately, Norma regained her independence and rediscovered her passions.
5.0
View Our Patient Success Stories

What Our Patients Are Saying

Insurance and Financing

At PrimeCare, we believe that financial concerns shouldn’t prevent you from getting the upper-body spinal support you need. That’s why we prioritize transparency and simplify the insurance process by handling all verification and paperwork for you. Our dedicated financial specialists carefully assess your coverage and clearly explain your benefits. If any questions arise, we’re here to help.
Before we begin crafting your custom CTLSO brace, we provide a detailed cost breakdown so you know what to expect. If you have a high deductible or limited coverage, we offer flexible monthly payment options to ensure you receive the essential spinal support you need — without financial stress.

Get Advanced CTLSO Support in Las Cruces

PrimeCare provides advanced spinal bracing solutions tailored to your needs. Our experienced orthotists proudly serve Las Cruces, El Paso, and the surrounding communities to guarantee a precise, comfortable CTLSO fit for optimal support and mobility.

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FAQ

  • Do I need to wear my brace while sleeping?

    Your doctor will let you know if you should wear your brace while lying down or sleeping. This may change as you heal. If you are allowed to remove it while sleeping, be sure to put it on before getting out of bed. Consider various scenarios; if you need to use the bathroom at night, it may be easier to keep the brace on rather than taking it off and putting it back on repeatedly.

  • How can I bathe while wearing a brace?

    If your doctor has instructed you to wear the brace at all times when sitting or standing, you have two options:

    • Take a sponge bath while lying down with the brace off.
    • Take a shower while wearing the brace.

    In both cases, you should clean the inside of the brace while lying down. After a shower, lie down and sponge-bathe the area under the brace before putting it back on. Always make sure both your skin and the inside of the brace are completely dry before wearing it again. If the straps are wet, you can let them air dry or use a hair dryer on the low setting.

  • How do I clean my brace?

    Cleaning the Outside Use a damp cloth or mild soapy water to wipe down the outer surface, making sure to dry it thoroughly afterward. For the straps, scrub gently with a brush if needed and clear any lint from the hook fastener to ensure it stays secure.

    Cleaning the Inside Since the brace has a waterproof foam lining, you can wipe it with a damp cloth or mild soap if necessary. If you use soap, be sure to rinse off any residue and dry the inside with a towel or a hairdryer on a low or cool setting. To keep it fresh, wipe the inside with rubbing alcohol once a week. Always ensure your skin is completely dry before wearing the brace again. Talcum powder is safe to use but avoid using cornstarch.

  • How long do I need to wear the brace?

    Your doctor will determine how long you need to wear the brace based on your healing progress. Even if you start feeling better, it’s important that you continue wearing it as instructed. Your doctor will guide you on when it is safe to reduce or stop wearing the brace.