Outcomes for nighttime bracing in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis based on brace wear adherence

This study determined brace wear adherence for patients treated with nighttime braces and evaluated the effect of brace adherence on curve progression.

One hundred twenty-two patients with AIS ages 10–16 years, Risser stages 0–2, major curves 20°–40° treated with Providence nighttime braces prescribed to be worn at least 8 h per night were prospectively enrolled and followed until skeletal maturity or surgery. Brace adherence was measured using iButton temperature sensors after 3 months of brace initiation and at brace discharge.

Curve types were single thoracolumbar/lumbar (62%, n = 76), double (36%, n = 44), and single thoracic (2%, n = 2). Brace adherence averaged 7.8 ± 2.3 h after 3 months (98% adherence) and 6.7 ± 2.6 h at brace discharge (84% adherence). Curves that progressed ≥ 6° had decreased brace adherence than non-progressive curves after 3 months (7.0 h vs. 8.1 h, p = 0.010) and at brace discharge (5.9 h vs. 7.1 h, p = 0.017). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased hours of brace wear [odds ratio (OR) 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.46], single curves (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.35–7.53), and curves < 25° (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.12–6.44) were associated with non-progression at brace discharge.

Patients treated with nighttime bracing have a high rate of brace adherence. Lack of curve progression is associated with increased brace wear. Nighttime bracing is effective at limiting curve progression in AIS single thoracolumbar/lumbar and double curves.

Prognostic Level 2.