A comparison was made of the effect on the Cobb angles of idiopathic scoliotics of bracing the spine (Boston brace) and of treatment by observation alone. The series was subjected to rigorous statistical analysis, and it was found that the braced group of patients did slightly but significantly better than the observed group. Greater than 50% reduction of the Cobb angle by bracing indicated a good prognosis. There was a highly significant correlation between the initial spinal curve angle and the final spinal curve angle in both groups of patients. Analysis suggested that brace treatment was most effective in curves greater than 30° at presentation. Adverse factors affecting curve progression are described.
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Gardner et al. (1986) studied this question.