Background: SpineCor is a relatively new bracing system that uses dynamic bracing concepts in the treatment of adolesemn idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Limited data are available regarding its effectiveness. This study compared treatment outcomes of 2 groups of AIS patients treated via either a conventional rigid dtoracolumbosacral orthoses (TLSO) or a SpineCor nonrigid orthosis. 

Methods: We identified 2 scoliosis patient cohorts: 35 patients treated with a TLSO and 32 patients treated with a SpineCor orthosis. All patients included in these groups conformed with the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) standardized criteria for AIS bracing: (1) Risser ≤2, (2) curve magnitude 25 to 40 degrees, (3) age ≥ 10 years. Outcomes were SRS standardized with failure being defined as curve progression ≥ 6 degrees, or ever exceeding 45 degrees, or having surgery recommended before skeletal maturity. All patients were followed through the completion of brace treatment or attainment of other treatment end points. The Yates corrected x2 test and unpaired 1 test were used for data analysis.

Results: The 35 patients (32 girls, 3 boys) in the TLSO group had an average age of 13 years (range: 11.1-16.8) and an average primary curve magnitude of 33 degrees (range: 25-40 degrees). Follow-up averaged 2 years (range: 8-61 m) from the beginning of brace treatment. The 32 patients (28 girls, 4 boys) in the SpineCor group had an average age of 13 years (range: 11-15.2) and an average primary curve magnitude of 31 degrees (range:

From the *Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati. Cincinnati, OH: Presque Isle Orthopedic Laboratory, Erie, PA: and :Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics, Bethesda, MD.

Financial Disclosure: No direct or indirect commercial financial incentive was associated with this publication. This study was supported by a $5000 grant from a University of Cincinnati Orthopaedic Research Education Fund.

Disclaimers: Views expressed in the paper are those of the authors and do not reflect the official position of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. University of Cincinnati, The Spine Corporation Limited, or Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics.

Reprints: Charles T. Mehlman, DO, MPH, Division of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue. Mail Location 2017. Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039. E-mail: Charles.mehlamn@cchmc.org

Copyright © 2010 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

25-40 degrees). Follow-up for this group averaged 2 years and 6 months (range: 13-73mo) from the beginning of brace treatment. No significant difference (P = 0.75) was found using the more strict outcome measure (≤ 5-degree curve progression) as the success rates were 60% (21/35) for TLSO and 53% (17/32) for SpineCor. Similarly, no significant difference (P = 0.62) was found using the more liberal outcome measure (never reached 45 degrees) as the success rates were 80% (28/35) for TLSO and 72% (23/32) for SpineCor.

Conclusions: We were unable to identify any significant differences in brace treatment outcomes when comparing TLSO and SpineCor treated patients.

Key Words: We were unable to identify any significant differences in brace treatment outcomes when comparing TLSO and SpineCor treated patients. 

(J Pediatr Orthcgm 2010;30:531-538)

Pediatr Orthop • Volume 30, Number 6, September 2010

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