Background: Discrepancies exist in the current literature for bracing of spinal curvature conditions. This can be explained by the diversity of brace types, the different curve patterns and the various measurement methods and instruments. Objectives: The aim of this study was the analysis of the corrective forces exerted by a dynamic derotation brace (DDB), at the skin-brace interface, altering the strap tension and body posture. Study Design: We analysed the direct forces exerted by a DDB's main pad, on 44 (38 girls, 6 boys) idiopathic scoliotic patients. Twenty-seven patients had a single right thoracic and 17 a single left or right thoracolumbar curve. Methods: We used the F-Socket 9801 pressure sensor and the MatScan Research BETA STAM 6.30 software, while patients adopted nine different postures. The patients were divided into three different groups: those who wore the brace for the first time, those who were changing their brace for a new one, and those who were having adjustments made to their existing brace. Results: These patients who were having adjustments made to their existing brace caused the highest mean exerted force. Changes in strap tension and body posture resulted in statistically significant alterations of the interface pressure and the forces exerted on the patient's body. Conclusions: Tightening the brace's straps always produces a significant force increase, independent of the body posture and the curve type. Also there are some body postures which significantly modify the exerted force. The body posture of maximum inspiration for thoracolumbar curves and, additionally, prone and lying left for thoracic curves. Clinical relevanceAnalysis of forces does not provide information on the correction of spinal curvature, but seem to be helpfully trying to achieve the brace's optimal fit and the best therapeutic result.

An epidemiological survey of idiopathic scoliosis derived by school screening in Greece has shown a three-fold rise in prevalence rate from 1% in 6-year-olds to more than 3% in 15-year-olds. Moderate curves (with a Cobb angle of 10° to 19°) are the most common curve magnitude encountered in both boys and girls. Typical curves (right thoracic, left lumbar, or right thoracic left lumbar double structural configurations) become relatively more prevalent with rising curve magnitude, while atypical curve patterns (left thoracic, right lumbar, or left thoracic right lumbar double structural configurations) reciprocally diminish. Growth is clearly an important environment in which curves progress and peak prevalence rates occur at the ages of 11 years and 13 years. Although it is not possible to prognosticate about the individual case, attention to these characteristics derived from epidemiological surveys is useful in assessing future curve behavior.

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