Review of current technologies and methods supplementing brace treatment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract

Purpose To report on the current technologies and methods supplementing brace treatment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Methods A comprehensive literature review was performed to determine the effectiveness of bracing, to report on imaging techniques that can assist in the assessment of bracing, to understand the roles of the biomechanical treatment concepts on bracing and to address the importance of the quality of life of the brace wearers. Results The effectiveness of bracing still remains controversial. Many technologies are still in development to improve the bracing process and quantify the effects of bracing. Imaging techniques with decreased or no radiation are promising in providing more frequent data on curve progression for patients. Computer-assisted design models have been used for both fitting and manufacturing the brace to patient contours. Ultrasound has been developed as a new means of diagnosing scoliosis and determining the effects of a brace on a patient's spine in real time. The brace treatment outcomes are correlated to the quantity and the quality of brace usage. Compliance monitors and force sensors have been developed to track the quality of brace usage. Improvements to brace wear also require consideration of patient quality of life. Surveys have been developed to describe the effects of family influence and selfimage on bracing effectiveness of patient quality of life. Conclusions Bracing remains a highly qualitative process, relying on the empirical judgment of the physicians and orthotists, along with buy-in with the patient. The suggested improvements will help to push bracing into a more evidence-based practice.

Quality of life in adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis after brace treatment

“…It has been reported that the improved QoL flowing from in brace treatment is related to changes in pain, family relationships, and activity levels in the AIS patients. [ 31 ] A variety of surveys have been developed to evaluate the QoL in AIS patients by both scoliosis clinics and relevant service organizations, such as the Brace Questionnaire, the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire, the SRS-22 Questionnaire, and the SF-36 Survey. [ 14 , 32 ] In our study, to reduce bias and increase accuracy, we only included studies in which the QoL was assessed by SRS-22 or modified version of SRS-22 Questionnaire.…”

Spinal Deformities and Advancement in Corrective Orthoses

“…Several literature studies [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ] have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of corrective orthoses. These studies mainly considered the selection of the effective brace type and predictive factors (compliance, curve magnitude, growth stage, body mass index, and exercise potential) that contribute to promising outcomes.…”

Evaluation of body geometry and symmetry for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with 3D body scanning system

“…Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) imaging have been likewise suggested as imaging methods of the spine (Matthews and Crawford, 2006). However, these two techniques may not be very feasible, as MRI is relatively expensive, whereas CT imaging exposes adolescents to high levels of ionizing radiation (Chan et al , 2013).…”