Faculty Collaboration Database

Boston vs. Providence brace in treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Stud Health Technol Inform 2021 Jun 28;280:179-183

Date

07/01/2021

Pubmed ID

34190083

DOI

10.3233/SHTI210462

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85109144345 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   3 Citations

Abstract

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex condition characterized by a lateral curvature and axial rotational deformity of the spine. Though bracing is effective, a need remains to identify the effect brace type has on spine curvature. To examine differences in patient demographics between the Boston and Providence brace, determine the corrective change in Cobb angle and RVAD and investigate the effect of brace type on curvature over time. A retrospective chart review was conducted of 105 patients diagnosed with AIS from 2013-2016 at CHW. Five spinal parameters were measured: Cobb angle, Risser, RVAD, kyphosis and lordosis. Data was collected before bracing, in-brace and at 24 months. A final treatment outcome of either Cobb angle correction (reduction >5°), stabilization (change ±5°) or progression (deterioration >5°) was then evaluated. Providence brace provided significantly greater in-brace thoracolumbar Cobb angle and RVAD reduction in comparison to the Boston brace (Cobb angle -21.9° vs. -12.5°; RVAD: -1.8° vs. 1.62°). Similarly, Providence users had a significantly smaller increase in Cobb angle and RVAD over time (Cobb angle: thoracic 14.2° vs. 15.0°; thoracolumbar 23.6° vs. 26.0°; RVAD: 5.2° vs. 8.5°). Ultimately, no significant difference in final treatment outcome was established between brace groups. Although the Providence brace provides less of an increase in thoracic and thoracolumbar curvatures over time, both braces are an effective treatment and achieve comparable outcomes. Selection of braces may vary with primary curve angle, curve location, patient compliance and quality of life.

Author List

Luaks K, Tassone C, Liu XC, Thometz J, Escott B, Tarima S

Authors

Benjamin G. Escott MBBS Associate Professor in the Orthopaedic Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Xue-Cheng Liu PhD Professor in the Orthopaedic Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Sergey S. Tarima PhD Associate Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Braces
Humans
Kyphosis
Quality of Life
Retrospective Studies
Scoliosis
Treatment Outcome