Brace Treatment can Lead to a Persistent Correction of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Case Report

Introduction: Brace treatment during the growth spurt is the primary treatment for patients with scoliosis. Scoliosis is regarded as a three-dimensional deformity of the spine and trunk. The standard of bracing worldwide varies. Patients cannot rely on a certain standard of application among practitioners. From evidence available in literature it has been determined that braces effectively stop curvature progression and some even improve trunk deformity. However, questions still remain about stabilization in the long term. The aim of this case report is to show a case with lasting clinical and radiological correction over time, after weaning.

Case Report: A girl with AIS was treated with a Chêneau light brace starting in 2005. At the start of treatment, she was 11 years old, Tanner stage was 2 and the Cobb angle of the single thoracic curvature was 38°. After two years of treatment the brace had to be renewed. In the x-ray taken prior to the adjustment of the new brace Cobb angle measurement was 19°. Weaning began at the age of 15 as there was no residual growth expected. Cobb angle at weaning was 14°. Recently, the patient presented at the age of nearly 21 years, five and a half years after brace weaning. There was no change with respect to trunk deformity when compared to the intermediate result achieved 2007. Final Cobb angle was 19°, half of the Cobb angle at the start of treatment. The patient has full functionality and is highly satisfied with the end result.

Conclusion: Bracing scoliosis may be highly efficient and is supported by scientific evidence. Bracing according to the cutting-edge developments can improve the angle of curvature as well as the trunk deformity. Bracing according to cutting-edge developments are able to lead to relevant and lasting improvements of Cobb angle as well as trunk deformity in the long-term.