Brace Classification Study Group (BCSG): part one - definitions and atlas.
BACKGROUND
The current increase in types of scoliosis braces defined by a surname or a town makes scientific classification essential. Currently, it is a challenge to compare braces and specify the indications of each brace. A precise definition of the characteristics of current braces is needed. As such, the International Society for Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) mandated the Brace Classification Study Group (BCSG) to address the pertinent terminology and brace classification. As such, the following study represents the first part of the SOSORT consensus in addressing the definitions and providing a visual atlas of bracing.


METHODS
After a short introduction on the braces, the aim of the BCSG is described and its policies/general consideration are outlined. The BSCG endeavor embraces the very important SOSORT - Scoliosis Research Society cooperation, the history of which is also briefly narrated. This report contains contributions from a multidisciplinary panel of 17 professionals who are part of the BCSG. The BCSG introduced several pertinent domains to characterize bracing systems. The domains are defined to allow for analysis of each brace system.


RESULTS
A first approach to brace classification based on some of these proposed domains is presented. The BCSG has reached a consensus on 139 terms related to bracing and has provided over 120 figures to serve as an atlas for educational purposes.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first clinical terminology tool for bracing related to scoliosis based on the current scientific evidence and formal multidisciplinary consensus. A visual atlas of various brace types is also provided.
Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, "Tzaneio" General Hospital, Piraeus, Greece.
Theodoros B
TB
Grivas
Department of Orthopaedic Medicine, Clinique du Parc, 155, Bd Stalingrad, 69006 Lyon, France.
Jean Claude
0000-0002-2998-6892
JC
de Mauroy
Align Clinic, San Mateo, CA USA.
Grant
G
Wood
Institute Elena Salvá, Barcelona, Spain.
Manuel
M
Rigo
Harvard University, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA USA.
Michael Timothy
MT
Hresko
University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
Tomasz
T
Kotwicki
Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy ; Don Gnocchi Foundation, Milan, Italy.
Stefano
S
Negrini
BCSG; Brace; Brace Classification Study Group; Classification; Definition; Nomenclature; Scoliosis; Spine; Terminology