Article

Bracing has been widely used for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, effectiveness of brace treatment remains controversial. A systematic review was conducted to investigate evidence that brace treatment is
effective in the treatment of AIS. A total of 20 studies, including randomized
controlled trials, nonrandomized clinical controlled trials, or case-control
studies, were included. Studies comparing the results of brace treatment with
no-treatment, other conservative treatments, or surgical treatment were included.
Outcomes of the studies included radiological curve progression, incidence of
surgery, pulmonary function, quality of life (QOL), and psychological state. The
results from the systematic review are difficult to interpret. There are quite a
number of varying parameters between studies that make it very difficult to reach
any firm conclusions. In addition, the quality of evidence is limited because
most of the studies included in this review were of low methodological quality.
However, the available data suggest that, compared to observation, bracing is
more potent in preventing the progression of scoliosis and may not have a
negative impact on patients' QOL. Therefore, bracing can be recommended for the
treatment of AIS, at least for female patients with a Cobb angle of 25-35 degrees
Compared to other conservative treatments, bracing seems to be more effective
than electrical stimulation, although an advantage of bracing over side-shift
exercise or casting has not been established. Comparison between bracing and
surgery is difficult because in most studies, the curve magnitude at baseline was
considerably larger in the surgery group. We recommend that future studies have
clearer and more consistent guidelines.

Langue : ANGLAIS