Research Review: Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis Present Too Late for Effective Management with Bracing

Scoliosis treatment with bracing has been shown to be effective at minimising the risk of curve progression to the point of surgery for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (1). Despite this it is hard to know how many adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are missing the opportunity for timely treatment at before the peak growth phase of puberty where scoliosis progression risk is often highest. Anthony et al (2021) conducted a retrospective cross sectional study to analyse the patient demographics referred for scoliosis to the Hospital for Sick Children.

 

What Were the Authors Looking for?

Essentially the authors were investigating whether or not patients with AIS were attending hospital early enough in their scoliosis journey for scoliosis bracing to be effective.

Results

The majority of AIS patients in this study presented too late for effective management with bracing. In summary, out of the 335 children that met the inclusion criteria: 

  • 18% had curves beyond optimal curve range for bracing
  • 55% were skeletally mature, therefore not brace candidates.

Take Home Message

Bracing has been proven to be an effective treatment option for many patients with AIS. Early detection and referral for treatment is essential to ensure patients have the opportunity to get the right treatment at the right time. 

To read the full study please click here

References:  

  1. Weinstein, SL. Dolan, LA., Wright, JG., Dobbs, MB. Design of the Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial (BrAIST). Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2013 Oct 1;38(21):1832-41. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000435048.23726.3e. PMID: 24026162; PMCID: PMC4536980.
  2. Anthony, A., Zeller, R., Evans, C. and Dermott, JA. (2021). Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis detection and referral trends: impact treatment options. 

 

  • Written by Rose Mirenzi

    Executive Director of Education & Research, Physiotherapist

    Rose manages education, training and research at ScoliCare, is a physiotherapist, speaker, educator, and writer, and has extensive experience in assessing and treating patients with scoliosis. Rose has been instrumental in further developing the ScoliBalance concept created over many years by ScoliCare's CEO, Dr. Jeb McAviney. ScoliBalance is ScoliCare's physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercise program which is followed in ScoliCare clinics and by ScoliBalance Providers worldwide.
    Qualifications:
    B. App Science, Physiotherapy (University of Sydney) | Master of Research (specialising in scoliosis management) (Macquarie University) | World Masters in Scoliosis Management | BSPTS Schroth C2 | Lyon Method | Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS) | ScoliBalance Course Developer and Trainer | Writing in the Sciences (Stanford University)

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