|
| |
Index of Scoliosis Information
Effectiveness of braces in mild idiopathic
scoliosis.
* Miller JA,
* Nachemson AL,
* Schultz AB.
Despite the wide use of bracing for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis,
controlled studies apparently have not been performed to examine whether
bracing, in fact, alters the natural history of spine lateral curves. We studied
255 female patients, ages 8-17 years, with idiopathic scoliosis who had curves
with initial Cobb measures from 15-30 degrees. They were divided into two
groups: one group consisted of 144 patients who had received a Milwaukee or
Boston brace; and the other, a control group, consisted of 111 patients who
remained untreated through a mean period of 1.9 years. The groups had similar
mean ages, ages of menarche and curve severities. The results showed a slight
but nonsignificant trend, suggesting that bracing reduced the overall
probability of progression in the braced curves. However, noting that nearly 75%
of the control group curves were nonprogressive, it is possible that a similar
proportion of the braced curves need not have been braced. Moreover, bracing
failed to prevent eight curves in seven patients (5%) from progressing. These
curves progressed at a mean rate of 8 degrees per year. Our retrospective
results suggest that bracing probably is not necessary in a large proportion of
patients who meet current, clinical criteria for bracing. Given the limitations
of retrospective studies like this one, a controlled prospective trial of
bracing effectiveness in idiopathic scoliosis seems warranted.
| |
|
