Background: Spinal bracing remains the gold standard for conservative management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, poor adherence often limits treatment efficacy. The development of a brace that enhances compliance while maintaining sufficient corrective force is crucial. Objectives: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a novel semi-rigid brace for AIS based on wearing time and correction rate. Study design: Multicenter prospective observational study. Methods: We enrolled patients who met the following Scoliosis Research Society criteria for brace treatment: (1) confirmed AIS diagnosis, (2) Risser sign ≤2, (3) Cobb angle between 25° and 40°, (4) age ≥10 years, and (5) single-curve pattern. Wearing time was objectively measured over 180 d using embedded temperature sensors. Correction rates were assessed at initiation and after 12 months or more. Results: A total of 60 patients with AIS were included. Among them, 24 had thoracic curves, and 36 had thoracolumbar/lumbar curves. The mean daily wearing time was 16.3 h for thoracic curves and 18.2 h for thoracolumbar/lumbar curves. The median initial correction rate was 32% for thoracic curves and 45% for thoracolumbar/lumbar curves. After 12 months or more, the median correction rate was 20% and 48%, respectively. The dropout rate was 5%, and no severe skin complications were observed. Conclusions: The novel semi-rigid brace demonstrated high compliance and effective curve correction over 12 months. These findings support its potential as a comfortable and effective conservative treatment option for patients with AIS.
Hirata et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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