Study: Bracing in Severe Scoliosis Patients Can Decrease Progression, Avoid Surgery

Bracing patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis can significantly decrease the progression of high-risk curves and help patients avoid surgery, according to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers conducted a multicenter study of 242 patients, of which 116 were randomly assigned to bracing or observation and 126 chose between bracing and observation. Patients were asked to wear the brace at least 18 hours per day.

A curve progression to 50 degrees or more would indicate treatment failure and skeletal maturity without this degree of curve progression indicated treatment success. Treatment success rate was 72 percent after bracing and only 48 percent after observation. The benefit increase with longer hours of brace wear.

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