How to evaluate brace treatment using X ray in patients with scoliosis

Abstract

The two generally accepted treatments for scoliosis are the use of a brace and surgical intervention. Brace treatment has been shown to be especially effective for children with idiopathic scoliosis. The inclusion criteria for brace treatment of idiopathic scoliosis consist of the following : age is 10 years or older, Risser 0-2, primary curve angles 25-40 degrees, and if female, either premenarchal or less than 1 year postmenarchal. To prescribe a more efficient brace, curve pattern, the apex vertebra, correction rate, and coronal balance of spine are carefully evaluated using X-ray. In our institute, the success rate for brace treatment (5 degrees or less curve progression) is 74%. Furthermore, the rate of curve improvement (5 degrees or more curve improvement) is 22%.