Introduction: Bracing is one of the first-line treatment for early-onset idiopathic scoliosis (EOIS) to control curves from progression. This study aimed to explore the determinants that govern bracing effectiveness in EOIS. Methods: One hundred and eleven patients with EOIS (mean age of 8.6 ± 1.25 at diagnosis) received bracing treatment and had a final follow-up beyond skeletal maturity were identified from records between 1988 and 2021. Demographic data and clinical features of spinal curvature were obtained for correlation analyses to determine the associations between curve outcomes and clinical features. Results: Most patients were female (85.6%) and had a major curve on the left side (67%). The mean baseline Cobb angle of major curves was 21.73 ± 7.92°, with a mean Cobb angle progression of 18.05 ± 19.11°. The average bracing duration was 5.3 ± 1.9 years. Only 26 (23.4%) of them underwent surgery. The final Cobb angle and curve progression at the final follow-up with a Cobb angle of ≥50° were positively correlated with the initial Cobb angle (r = 0.206 and r = 0.313, respectively) and negatively correlated with maturity parameters. The lumbar curve type was found to correlate with a smaller final Cobb angle. Conclusions: The majority of patients had a final Cobb angle < 50°, which was considered a successful bracing outcome. The final Cobb angle correlated with the initial Cobb angle and curve types observed in EOIS.
Keywords: bracing; conservative treatment; curve progression; early onset; idiopathic scoliosis; in-brace correction.