The Influential Factors to Determine the Efficiency of Bracing in Controlling Scoliotic Curves: A Narrative Review of Literature
Abstract
Background: Various treatment approaches can be used for individuals with scoliosis deformity, with bracing playing a significant role. The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of bracing in controlling scoliotic curves based on studies published between 2018 and 2025.
Method: A search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Scopus using keywords like brace, orthosis, and scoliosis between 2018 and 2025. Papers were selected based on the research question of interest (effectiveness of bracing in preventing scoliotic curve progression).
Results: This narrative review highlighted the importance of certain parameters in predicting the outcomes of brace treatment. Factors such as Risser sign, initial Cobb angle, in-brace correction, curve type, vertebral rotation, brace wearing time, type of brace, and poor compliance all influence the effectiveness of bracing treatment.
Conclusion: It appears that the outcomes of bracing treatment in individuals with scoliosis can be predicted based on certain parameters. The findings of this review assist clinicians in determining the effectiveness of bracing in individuals with scoliosis.
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2. Harrington PR. The etiology of idiopathic scoliosis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1977(126):17-25. [PubMed: 598109].
3. Miller NH. The role of genetic factors in the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis. Spine: State of the Art Reviews.
2000;14:313-7.
4. Negrini S, Grivas TB. Introduction to the "Scoliosis" Journal Brace Technology Thematic Series: increasing existing knowledge and promoting future developments. Scoliosis. 2010;5(1):2. doi: 10.1186/1748-7161-5-2. [PubMed: 20205874]. [PubMed Central: PMC2827401].
5. Robin GC. The aetiology of idiopathic scoliosis : a review of a century of research. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 1990.
6. Taylor JR, Liston CB, Twomey LT. Scoliosis: a review. Aust J Physiother. 1982;28(3):20-5. doi: 10.1016/s0004-9514(14)60770-4. [PubMed: 25025846].
7. Karimi MT, Rabczuk T. Scoliosis conservative treatment: A review of literature. J Craniovertebr Junction Spine. 2018;9(1): 3-8. doi: 10.4103/jcvjs.JCVJS_39_17. [PubMed: 29755230]. [PubMed Central: PMC5934961].
8. Janicki JA, Alman B. Scoliosis: Review of diagnosis and treatment. Paediatr Child Health. 2007;12(9):771-6. doi: 10.1093/pch/12.9.771. [PubMed: 19030463]. [PubMed Central: PMC2532872].
9. Goldberg CJ, Moore DP, Fogarty EE, Dowling FE. Scoliosis: A review. Pediatr Surg Int. 2008;24(2):129-44. doi:
10.1007/s00383-007-2016-5. [PubMed: 17891405].
10. Karimi M, Rabczuk T. Evaluation of the efficiency of Boston brace on scoliotic curve control: A review of literature. J Spinal Cord Med. 2019;43(7):1-8. doi: 10.1080/10790268.2019.1578104.
11. Karimi MT, Rabczuk T, Kavyani M, Macgarry A. Evaluation of the efficacy of part-time versus full-time brace wear in subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS): a review of literature. Curr Orthop Pract. 2019;30(1):61-8. doi: 10.1097/BCO.0000000000000700.
12. Taghi Karimi M, Rabczuk T, Kavyani M. Evaluation of the efficiency of the Chêneau brace on scoliosis deformity: A systematic review of the literature. Orthopade. 2018;47(3): 198-204. doi: 10.1007/s00132-018-3529-4. [PubMed: 29392350].
13. Weiss HR, Werkmann M. Soft braces in the treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) - Review of the literature and description of a new approach. Scoliosis. 2012;7(1):11. doi: 10.1186/1748-7161-7-11. [PubMed: 22640574]. [PubMed Central: PMC3479417].
14. Hawary RE, Zaaroor-Regev D, Floman Y, Lonner BS, Alkhalife YI, Betz RR. Brace treatment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: risk factors for failure-a literature review. Spine J. 2019;19(12):1917-25. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2019.07.008. [PubMed: 31325626].
15. Xu L, Yang X, Wang Y, Wu Z, Xia C, Qiu Y, et al. Brace Treatment in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients with Curve Between 40° and 45°: Effectiveness and Related Factors. World Neurosurg. 2019;126:e901-e6. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.03.008. [PubMed: 30872192].
16. Ohrt-Nissen S, Lastikka M, Andersen TB, Helenius I, Gehrchen M. Conservative treatment of main thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Full-time or nighttime bracing? J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2019;27(2):2309499019860017. doi: 10.1177/2309499019860017. [PubMed: 31284817].
17. Rahimi S, Kiaghadi A, Fallahian N. Effective factors on brace compliance in idiopathic scoliosis: a literature review. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2020;15(8):917-23. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2019.1629117. [PubMed: 31248292].
18. Zhang Y, Liang J, Xu N, Zeng L, Du C, Du Y, et al. 3D-printed brace in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a study protocol of a prospective randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open. 2020;10(11):e038373. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038373. [PubMed: 33247008]. [PubMed Central: PMC7703428].
19. Wang H, Tetteroo D, Arts JJC, Markopoulos P, Ito K. Quality of life of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients under brace treatment: a brief communication of literature review. Qual
Life Res. 2021;30(3):703-11. doi: 10.1007/s11136-020-02671-7. [PubMed: 33098493]. [PubMed Central: PMC7952337].
20. Katz DE, Durrani AA. Factors that influence outcome in bracing large curves in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2001;26(21):2354-61. doi: 10.1097/00007632-200111010-00012. [PubMed: 11679821].
21. Castro FP, Jr. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, bracing, and the Hueter-Volkmann principle. Spine J. 2003;3(3):180-5. doi: 10.1016/s1529-9430(02)00557-0. [PubMed: 14589197].
22. Landauer F, Wimmer C, Behensky H. Estimating the final outcome of brace treatment for idiopathic thoracic scoliosis at 6-month follow-up. Pediatr Rehabil. 2003;6(3-4):201-7. doi: 10.1080/13638490310001636817. [PubMed: 14713586].
23. Emans JB, Kaelin A, Bancel P, Hall JE, Miller ME. The Boston bracing system for idiopathic scoliosis. Follow-up results in 295 patients. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1986;11(8):792-801. doi: 10.1097/00007632-198610000-00009. [PubMed: 3810295].
24. Khoshhal Y, Jalali M, Babaee T, Ghandhari H, Gum JL. The Effect of Bracing on Spinopelvic Rotation and Psychosocial Parameters in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Asian Spine J. 2019;13(6):1028-35. doi: 10.31616/asj.2018.0307. [PubMed: 31434463]. [PubMed Central: PMC6894968].
25. Gum JL, Asher MA, Burton DC, Lai SM, Lambart LM. Transverse plane pelvic rotation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: primary or compensatory? Eur Spine J. 2007;16(10):1579-86. doi: 10.1007/s00586-007-0400-4. [PubMed: 17668251]. [PubMed Central: PMC2078296].
26. Konieczny MR, Hieronymus P, Krauspe R. Time in brace: where are the limits and how can we improve compliance and reduce negative psychosocial impact in patients with scoliosis? A retrospective analysis. Spine J. 2017;17(11):1658-64. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2017.05.010. [PubMed: 28821442].
27. Karavidas N. Bracing In The Treatment Of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Evidence To Date. Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2019;10:153-72. doi: 10.2147/ahmt.S190565. [PubMed: 31632169]. [PubMed Central: PMC6790111].
28. Yen TC, Weinstein SL. Evaluation of Predictors and Outcomes of Bracing with Emphasis on the Immediate Effects of in-Brace Correction in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Iowa Orthop J. 2019;39(2):62-5. [PubMed: 32577109]. [PubMed Central: PMC7047298].
2. Harrington PR. The etiology of idiopathic scoliosis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1977(126):17-25. [PubMed: 598109].
3. Miller NH. The role of genetic factors in the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis. Spine: State of the Art Reviews.
2000;14:313-7.
4. Negrini S, Grivas TB. Introduction to the "Scoliosis" Journal Brace Technology Thematic Series: increasing existing knowledge and promoting future developments. Scoliosis. 2010;5(1):2. doi: 10.1186/1748-7161-5-2. [PubMed: 20205874]. [PubMed Central: PMC2827401].
5. Robin GC. The aetiology of idiopathic scoliosis : a review of a century of research. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 1990.
6. Taylor JR, Liston CB, Twomey LT. Scoliosis: a review. Aust J Physiother. 1982;28(3):20-5. doi: 10.1016/s0004-9514(14)60770-4. [PubMed: 25025846].
7. Karimi MT, Rabczuk T. Scoliosis conservative treatment: A review of literature. J Craniovertebr Junction Spine. 2018;9(1): 3-8. doi: 10.4103/jcvjs.JCVJS_39_17. [PubMed: 29755230]. [PubMed Central: PMC5934961].
8. Janicki JA, Alman B. Scoliosis: Review of diagnosis and treatment. Paediatr Child Health. 2007;12(9):771-6. doi: 10.1093/pch/12.9.771. [PubMed: 19030463]. [PubMed Central: PMC2532872].
9. Goldberg CJ, Moore DP, Fogarty EE, Dowling FE. Scoliosis: A review. Pediatr Surg Int. 2008;24(2):129-44. doi:
10.1007/s00383-007-2016-5. [PubMed: 17891405].
10. Karimi M, Rabczuk T. Evaluation of the efficiency of Boston brace on scoliotic curve control: A review of literature. J Spinal Cord Med. 2019;43(7):1-8. doi: 10.1080/10790268.2019.1578104.
11. Karimi MT, Rabczuk T, Kavyani M, Macgarry A. Evaluation of the efficacy of part-time versus full-time brace wear in subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS): a review of literature. Curr Orthop Pract. 2019;30(1):61-8. doi: 10.1097/BCO.0000000000000700.
12. Taghi Karimi M, Rabczuk T, Kavyani M. Evaluation of the efficiency of the Chêneau brace on scoliosis deformity: A systematic review of the literature. Orthopade. 2018;47(3): 198-204. doi: 10.1007/s00132-018-3529-4. [PubMed: 29392350].
13. Weiss HR, Werkmann M. Soft braces in the treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) - Review of the literature and description of a new approach. Scoliosis. 2012;7(1):11. doi: 10.1186/1748-7161-7-11. [PubMed: 22640574]. [PubMed Central: PMC3479417].
14. Hawary RE, Zaaroor-Regev D, Floman Y, Lonner BS, Alkhalife YI, Betz RR. Brace treatment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: risk factors for failure-a literature review. Spine J. 2019;19(12):1917-25. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2019.07.008. [PubMed: 31325626].
15. Xu L, Yang X, Wang Y, Wu Z, Xia C, Qiu Y, et al. Brace Treatment in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients with Curve Between 40° and 45°: Effectiveness and Related Factors. World Neurosurg. 2019;126:e901-e6. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.03.008. [PubMed: 30872192].
16. Ohrt-Nissen S, Lastikka M, Andersen TB, Helenius I, Gehrchen M. Conservative treatment of main thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Full-time or nighttime bracing? J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2019;27(2):2309499019860017. doi: 10.1177/2309499019860017. [PubMed: 31284817].
17. Rahimi S, Kiaghadi A, Fallahian N. Effective factors on brace compliance in idiopathic scoliosis: a literature review. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2020;15(8):917-23. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2019.1629117. [PubMed: 31248292].
18. Zhang Y, Liang J, Xu N, Zeng L, Du C, Du Y, et al. 3D-printed brace in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a study protocol of a prospective randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open. 2020;10(11):e038373. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038373. [PubMed: 33247008]. [PubMed Central: PMC7703428].
19. Wang H, Tetteroo D, Arts JJC, Markopoulos P, Ito K. Quality of life of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients under brace treatment: a brief communication of literature review. Qual
Life Res. 2021;30(3):703-11. doi: 10.1007/s11136-020-02671-7. [PubMed: 33098493]. [PubMed Central: PMC7952337].
20. Katz DE, Durrani AA. Factors that influence outcome in bracing large curves in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2001;26(21):2354-61. doi: 10.1097/00007632-200111010-00012. [PubMed: 11679821].
21. Castro FP, Jr. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, bracing, and the Hueter-Volkmann principle. Spine J. 2003;3(3):180-5. doi: 10.1016/s1529-9430(02)00557-0. [PubMed: 14589197].
22. Landauer F, Wimmer C, Behensky H. Estimating the final outcome of brace treatment for idiopathic thoracic scoliosis at 6-month follow-up. Pediatr Rehabil. 2003;6(3-4):201-7. doi: 10.1080/13638490310001636817. [PubMed: 14713586].
23. Emans JB, Kaelin A, Bancel P, Hall JE, Miller ME. The Boston bracing system for idiopathic scoliosis. Follow-up results in 295 patients. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1986;11(8):792-801. doi: 10.1097/00007632-198610000-00009. [PubMed: 3810295].
24. Khoshhal Y, Jalali M, Babaee T, Ghandhari H, Gum JL. The Effect of Bracing on Spinopelvic Rotation and Psychosocial Parameters in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Asian Spine J. 2019;13(6):1028-35. doi: 10.31616/asj.2018.0307. [PubMed: 31434463]. [PubMed Central: PMC6894968].
25. Gum JL, Asher MA, Burton DC, Lai SM, Lambart LM. Transverse plane pelvic rotation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: primary or compensatory? Eur Spine J. 2007;16(10):1579-86. doi: 10.1007/s00586-007-0400-4. [PubMed: 17668251]. [PubMed Central: PMC2078296].
26. Konieczny MR, Hieronymus P, Krauspe R. Time in brace: where are the limits and how can we improve compliance and reduce negative psychosocial impact in patients with scoliosis? A retrospective analysis. Spine J. 2017;17(11):1658-64. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2017.05.010. [PubMed: 28821442].
27. Karavidas N. Bracing In The Treatment Of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Evidence To Date. Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2019;10:153-72. doi: 10.2147/ahmt.S190565. [PubMed: 31632169]. [PubMed Central: PMC6790111].
28. Yen TC, Weinstein SL. Evaluation of Predictors and Outcomes of Bracing with Emphasis on the Immediate Effects of in-Brace Correction in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Iowa Orthop J. 2019;39(2):62-5. [PubMed: 32577109]. [PubMed Central: PMC7047298].
| Files | ||
| Issue | Vol 11 No 4 (2025) | |
| Section | Review Article | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.18502/jost.v11i4.20285 | |
| Keywords | ||
| Braces Scoliosis Spine Treatment Outcome | ||
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How to Cite
1.
Karimi M. The Influential Factors to Determine the Efficiency of Bracing in Controlling Scoliotic Curves: A Narrative Review of Literature. J Orthop Spine Trauma. 2025;11(4):156-8.
