To evaluate the clinical results of the treatment and to assess the factors that influenced the rate of scoliosis progression, a retrospective study of spinal orthosis in 86 patients with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy was performed. The mean age of the patients was 13.8 years (range 5 to 33 years). Their scoliotic deformities were treated with custom-moulded, polypropylene thoraco-lumbar-sacral orthoses. Cobb angles were measured on radiographs taken in a sitting position before treatment, in orthosis, and during follow-up. The mean initial Cobb angle was 68.4˚ (range 25 to 131˚). The mean correction in orthosis was 25˚ (range 3 to 60˚). Seventytwo patients had a follow-up period of more than 2 years. At the latest follow-up, average 6.3 years (range 2 to 14 years) after the start of treatment, the mean Cobb angle without orthosis was 93.1˚ (range 40 to 145˚). The mean progression per year was 4.2˚ (range -3 to 21˚). Linear multiple regression revealed that age and initial correction in orthosis were the only variables that significantly influenced the rate of progression. Twenty-two patients had no progression or progression <1.0˚ per year. Correction in orthosis was the only variable that predicted progression <1.0˚ per year in both age groups (<15 years and ≥15 years). Of the 57 patients who were still alive and had not undergone surgical fusion, 72% used their orthoses at a mean age of 22 years. Parents and caregivers expressed satisfaction with the use of orthosis, mainly because of improved sitting stability which gave better overall function.Scoliosis occurs frequently in patients with cerebral palsy (CP), especially in those with spastic quadriplegia (Madigan and Wallace 1981). Although surgical treatment is usually indicated when scoliosis exceeds 45 to 50˚, there are certain risk factors that must be taken into consideration before operation is recommended. Many patients with quadriplegia with large curvatures of the spine have impaired general health, epilepsy, and reduced respiratory capacity, making them poor candidates for major surgery like spine fusion. Moreover, the complication rate after such surgery is substantial (Lonstein and Akbarnia 1983, Boachie-Adjei et al. 1989, Cassidy et al. 1994. Therefore, other treatment alternatives should be available.The role of spinal orthosis in those with quadriplegia with scoliosis has not been frequently studied and reports have rather short follow-up periods (McMaster and Clayton 1980, Letts et al. 1992). We have used this type of treatment for several years, based on clinical evidence that it has a beneficial effect in many patients.This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of spinal bracing in quadriplegic patients with scoliosis and to assess the progression of the scoliosis and factors that might influence the rate of progression.
MethodDuring the period 1982 to 1996, treatment with spinal orthosis was initiated in 99 patients with CP and scoliosis. To obtain more homogenous material, seven patients with diplegia or hemiplegia were excl...