Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine with a Cobb angle greater than 10 degrees, accompanied by rotation of the vertebral body. Bracing has been shown to be effective in halting the progression of at-risk curves, and, in some cases, even improving the Cobb angle by 6° or more. The Boston Brace 3D is part of the Boston Orthotics and Prosthetics standardized scoliosis program. The orthosis is custom-fabricated from scans, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufactured (CAM) thoracolumbosacral orthosis used in the non-operative management of AIS.
Aim: To evaluate the outcomes of a scoliosis program utilizing the Boston Brace 3D orthosis for patients with AIS, based on SRS and SOSORT criteria.
Design: Retrospective study.
Methods: An electronic medical records search was conducted to identify first-time brace wearers fitted between 1 January 2018, and 30 June 2019, at Boston Orthotics and Prosthetics Boston area clinics that met the SRS/SOSORT research guidelines. The initial out-of-brace, in-brace, and last follow-up X-rays (taken at least 12 months after fitting) were compared.
Results: 84% of patients presenting with a single curve and 69% of patients with a double curve saw their curves improve (reduced 6° or more) or remain unchanged (±5°). Thirty-one patients started with a single curve between 25° and 30°, and thirty-two presented at 30° or below. Fifty-nine patients started with a double curve between 25° and 30°, and 59 patients presented at 30° or below. In general, the patients who wore their brace for more hours per day saw improved results.
Conclusion: The Boston Brace 3D program is effective in controlling (and in some cases improving) curve progression in the non-operative management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The approach is a repeatable system, as shown in this cohort of thirteen clinicians across six area clinics following the Boston Brace 3D clinical guidelines.
Keywords: 3D bracing; adolescent; braces; scoliosis.