Scoliosis Facts

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is the most common deforming orthopedic condition in children today. Children suffering from scoliosis experience reduced overall function, poor self-image, and increased bodily pain.

Research in Spine Journal (one of the most prestigious and respected peer reviewed journals) has shown that the overall incidence of surgery is not significantly different with or without rigid bracing.

Comparison of surgery between braced and non-braced:
Incidence of surgery without the use of a rigid brace: (28.1%)
Incidence of surgery with the use of a rigid brace: (22.4%)*

Scoliosis screening programs in the United States have largely been of limited success. This is often due to the fact that mild curvatures are often not treated in the United States.

Instead, observation, or a "wait and see" approach is taken until bracing and/or surgery is justified.

Unfortunately, this premise is based upon earlier studies that presumed there are no other effective means of scoliosis correction.**

Research has shown that the level of pain generally increases as the curvature of the spine (Cobb angle) increases.***

References:
*Goldberg et al. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. The effect of brace treatment on the incidence of surgery. Spine 2001;26:42-47.
**Hawes, CM. The use of exercises in the treatment of scoliosis: an evidence-based critical review of the literature. Pediatric Rehabilitation 2006;6:171-182.
***Haefeli M, Elfering A, Kilian R, Min K, Boos N. Nonoperative Treatment for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. A 10-60-Year Follow-up With Special Reference to Health-Related Quality of Life. Spine 2006, 31:355-366