Estimating the final outcome of brace treatment for idiopathic thoracic scoliosis at 6-month follow-up.
OBJECTIVE
The study was conducted on the possibility of predicting the final outcome of bracing for idiopathic scoliosis at a follow-up period of 6 months.


METHODS
In a retrospective study, 62 adolescent female patients with right thoracic scoliosis (20-40 degrees Cobb angle) treated with a brace were examined. A new compliance score was developed. The sample was divided into four groups based on compliance (compliance score) and initial correction (half-year after start bracing): group A, good compliance/high initial correction; group B, good compliance/low initial correction; group C, bad compliance/high initial correction; group D, bad compliance/low initial correction. The final outcome (1 year after weaning) was defined as successful if a curve correction of at least 5 degrees was achieved. The influence of factors on final outcome was analysed by ANOVA. Differences between continuous data were analysed by a two-sample Wilcoxon test.


RESULTS
The overall final outcome was not successful (thoracic curve -3 degrees). However, the average outcome of the compliant group was successful (-5 degrees), while no success was achieved without good compliance (+5 degrees). High initial correction of more than 40% (p < 0.002) and good compliance (p< 0.004) were of significant impact for the outcome. Patients showing good compliance and high initial correction presented a successful outcome of 7 degrees Cobb angle.


CONCLUSIONS
Compliant patients with a high initial correction can expect a final correction of around 7 degrees, while compliant patients with low initial correction may maintain the curve extent. Bad compliance is always associated with curve progression.
Landauer
Franz
F
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, General Hospital, Salzburg, Austria. f.landauer@lks.at
Wimmer
Cornelius
C
Behensky
Hannes
H
D000293:Adolescent; D001915:Braces; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome