A study led by spinal experts from Scottish Rite for Children found that starting brace treatment earlier than current guidelines recommend may help children and teens with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) reduce curve progression and lower their risk of needing surgery.
With no known cause, AIS is the most common type of scoliosis in children and teens. It typically develops between the ages of 10 and 18, affects as many as 4% of adolescents and is more common in girls. AIS is a progressive condition in which the spinal curve may worsen during periods of rapid growth.
For years, brace treatment has typically been recommended once a spinal curve reaches 25 degrees. However, this research suggests that some children and teens with smaller curves who are still growing may benefit from beginning treatment sooner.
Published in JBJS Open Access, the study was led by senior scientist Karina A. Zapata, P.T., D.P.T., Ph.D., and featured spinal experts, such as Chief of Staff Daniel J. Sucato, M.D., M.S., Director of Orthotics Don Virostek, C.P.O., L.P.O., and pediatric orthopedic surgeon Megan E. Johnson, M.D. The research followed 414 children with AIS. They compared 207 children who began wearing a brace when their spinal curve measured between 15 and 24 degrees with 207 other children who followed the traditional approach of waiting until the curve reached 25 degrees before beginning treatment.
They found that children who began bracing earlier were more likely to see their curves improve or remain stable and were significantly less likely to experience progression to curves severe enough to require surgery.
By intervening earlier, physicians may be able to help guide spinal growth before curves become more difficult to manage. While not every child with scoliosis will need a brace, these findings highlight the importance of personalized treatment plans based on a child’s age, remaining growth and curve pattern.
At Scottish Rite for Children, spine specialists combine research, experience and individualized care to develop the best treatment plan for every patient. Whether treatment involves observation, custom bracing or surgery, the goal is to help children stay active and continue doing the things they love.
As research continues to shape the future of scoliosis care, these findings offer another step toward more personalized treatment for children with AIS.
