Correlation between quantity and quality of orthosis wear and treatment outcomes in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract

Orthotic treatment is the most commonly used non-surgical treatment method for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This study determined whether treatment outcome correlates with how often and how well children with AIS wear their orthoses. Eighteen (18) subjects (3M, 15F) who were diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis and had worn their orthoses from 6 months up to 1 year participated in this study. All subjects were prescribed Boston braces to be worn full time (23 hrs/day). Twelve (12) subjects who completed their brace treatment were included in the data analysis. Three (3) treatment outcomes were classified as improvement, no change and deterioration. The quality of the brace wear was assessed by how often the brace was worn with zero force, below 80%, between 80 to 120%, and above 120% of the load level prescribed in the clinic. The quantity of brace wear was determined by how many hours per day they wore their brace. Subjects who wear their braces tighter and for more hours per day seem to have better outcomes.