What are the factors predicting favorable bracing outcomes?

Abstract

<p>For growing patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), curve progression occurs during pubertal growth spurt, particularly at the acceleration growth phase. Bracing is a conservative treatment for patients with growth potential diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis, with the aim of controlling curve progression or even some degree of curve correction. Despite good compliance and regular follow-up, 40% of the patients experience curve progression at the time of brace weaning and 30% of patients have curve progression at 1 year post-weaning, and surgical correction may be needed after bracing fails. Hence, this chapter examines the factors contributing to the success or failure of bracing. More importantly, we focus on factors which are predictive of brace outcomes, and how they can be optimized to provide better prognostication of bracing.<br></p>