Study Affirms Efficacy of Bracing for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

The results from a recent study conducted by the Scoliosis Research Society show that bracing of adolescents with moderate scoliosis is an effective treatment for the reduction of the number of patients who advance to the need for surgery. The study, Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial (BrAIST) found a positive dose response between the number of hours the bracing is worn and its success rate. Furthermore, bracing was found to be effective in preventing curve progression to 50 degrees and success with bracing was achieved in 90 percent of patients who wore bracing for a minimum of 13 hours per day. The value of a screening examination for scoliosis has been debated in the past due to inconclusive evidence of the success of non-operative treatment, however the results of BrAIST established the effectiveness of bracing as non-operative care, reducing the number of patients who progress to surgery. The study provides practitioners the opportunity to promote the early detection of scoliosis, allowing for potential cost savings and the avoidance of unnecessary surgical procedures. To read more about this study, click here.