Scoliosis Spinal Curve Braces Prevent Progression and Surgery

Author: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Published: 2016/01/11 - Updated: 2023/10/01
Publication Type: Research Study Analysis
Peer-Reviewed: Yes
Topic: Back Pain Information - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: In a new study appearing in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, adolescent scoliosis patients each received a brace with embedded sensors to monitor use..

Bracing often recommended for adolescents diagnosed with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis. Children who did not need surgery wore the brace 2.1 hours more per day on average.

Bracing often is recommended for adolescents diagnosed with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis, and a spinal curve between 25 and 45 degrees.

Introduction

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is defined as an abnormal curvature of the spine that appears in late childhood or adolescence. Instead of growing straight, the spine develops a side-to-side curvature, usually in an elongated "S" or "C" shape; the bones of the spine are also slightly twisted or rotated.

Main Item

Scoliosis is typically classified as either;

Bracing often is recommended for adolescents diagnosed with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis, and a spinal curve between 25 and 45 degrees. When worn consistently and as directed, braces have been found to effectively halt or slow further progression of a spinal curve, often preventing surgery.

Note the spinal curve to the right in the medium back and to the left in the lower back.
Note the spinal curve to the right in the medium back and to the left in the lower back. Source: Blausen.com staff (2014). Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014. WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). ISSN 2002-4436. [CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons.

In a new study appearing in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, adolescent scoliosis patients each received a brace with embedded sensors to monitor use.

Patients were then divided into two groups:

"Patients who were aware that their device measured brace use, wore their brace, on average, an additional three hours each day," said orthopaedic surgeon and lead study author Lori Karol, MD.

The study also found that patients who wore their brace were less likely to require surgery, by 11 percent, due to less spinal progression. The average curve magnitude at the start of bracing was comparable at the start of the study:

Among the Specific Findings

"Shared information between the teen, parents, orthotist (who oversees the creation and fit of the custom brace), and physician resulted in improved brace compliance," said Dr. Karol. "These findings emphasize the role that open doctor-patient communication plays in encouraging treatment effectiveness in the adolescent age group."

Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and published on 2016/01/11, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons can be contacted at aaos.org NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.

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Cite This Page (APA): American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2016, January 11 - Last revised: 2023, October 1). Scoliosis Spinal Curve Braces Prevent Progression and Surgery. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved February 12, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/spinal/backpain/curve-brace.php

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