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Cheung PWH, Chan OKO, Wu H, Lai MKL, Wong LPK, Tang S, Cheung JPY. Immediate vs Gradual Brace Weaning Protocols in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Pediatr 2024; 178:657-668. [PMID: 38829664 PMCID: PMC11148786 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.1484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Importance Lack of evidence and consensus for brace weaning protocol in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) results in clinicians prescribing gradual weaning in the hope of avoiding curve deterioration after weaning. However, gradual weaning contributes to prolonged brace wear, which can affect spinal stiffness and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Objective To determine whether gradual weaning results in better curve magnitude and truncal balance maintenance after brace weaning vs immediate brace removal for patients with AIS. Design, Setting, and Participants This was an open-labeled randomized clinical trial commenced in April 2017 with 24-month follow-up completed in January 2023. Outcome assessors were masked to weaning protocol assigned. The study took place at a territory-wide tertiary scoliosis clinic serving the largest number of referrals in the local population. Patients with AIS ready to wean off of brace wear were eligible (402 were screened; 33 were excluded [15 for <18 hours/day of brace-wear compliance before weaning, 11 were treated with Milwaukee brace, and 7 declined to participate]; and 369 were included), and those who were treated with a custom molded thoracolumbosacral orthosis and had reached skeletal maturity were consecutively recruited. Interventions Patients were randomized to gradual weaning protocol (n = 176) with an additional 6 months of nighttime wear before completely stopping or immediate weaning protocol (n = 193) with immediate brace removal at recruitment. Main Outcomes and Measures Changes in major curve Cobb angle and truncal balance from the time of weaning to 6-month, 12-month, and 24-month follow-up. HRQoL was also assessed using the refined Scoliosis Research Society 22-item and EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaires. Results A total of 369 patients (mean [SD] age, 14.9 [1.1] years; 304 [83.4%] girls) were randomized with 284 (77.0%) completing 24-month longitudinal follow-up. Immediate and gradual weaning groups had no significant differences in change of major Cobb angle at postweaning 6-month (difference, -0.6°; 95% CI, -1.4 to 0.2; P = .17), 12-month (difference, -0.3°; 95% CI, -1.2 to 0.6; P = .47), and 24-month (difference, -0.3°; 95% CI, -1.2 to 0.7; P = .60) follow-up. The number of curve progression, nonprogression, and rebound cases were comparable (χ22 = 2.123; P = .35). Postweaning changes in truncal balance and HRQoL demonstrated no significant differences between groups. Conclusions Gradual weaning did not demonstrate superiority to immediate weaning with predefined criteria of Cobb angle and truncal balance maintenance and HRQoL after brace weaning. Gradual and immediate weaning achieved very similar maintenance of brace outcomes in AIS. We therefore recommend the consideration of immediate brace weaning, which aims to benefit patients with earlier time for increased exercises and activity level. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03329716.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prudence Wing Hang Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Oi Kiu Olivia Chan
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Marcus Kin Long Lai
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lester Po Kwan Wong
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shiyu Tang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jason Pui Yin Cheung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Kuru Çolak T, Dereli EE, Akçay B, Apti A, Lasa Maeso S. The Efficacy of Night Bracing in the Treatment of Adolescent İdiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3661. [PMID: 38999227 PMCID: PMC11242083 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13133661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The effectiveness of night braces alone or in combination with other treatments for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains unclear. This systematic review study aimed to review and analyze the available literature to determine whether night braces are an effective treatment for idiopathic scoliosis. Methods: A total of 162 databases, including Cochrane Library (reviews, protocols, trials), Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, Scopus, PEDro, CINAHL (EBSCO), Ovid and Google Scholar, were searched for published articles from inception to February 2024. The available literature was screened by the following terms: "scoliosis and night-time brace", "scoliosis and night brace", "scoliosis and part-time bracing", "scoliosis and Providence" and "scoliosis and Charleston". Results: Twenty studies were included; only one study was a randomized controlled trial, and most of the studies were retrospectively designed. Providence, Charleston and Boston braces were used as night braces. The Cobb angle was evaluated in all studies, and Cobb angle change after treatment and surgical treatment rates were the parameters that were evaluated the most. In one study, the angle of trunk rotation, quality of life, perception of spinal appearance, and physical activity level were measured. In one study, sagittal plane assessments were performed in addition to the Cobb angle. Conclusions: The results of this review suggest that there is no evidence to support the use of night braces in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Randomized controlled trials with a well-designed methodology are needed to determine the efficacy of night braces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğba Kuru Çolak
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul 34854, Turkey
| | - Elif Elçin Dereli
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Bilgi University, Istanbul 34060, Turkey
| | - Burçin Akçay
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Balıkesir 10250, Turkey
| | - Adnan Apti
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Kültür University, Istanbul 34158, Turkey;
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Heegaard M, Tøndevold N, Dahl B, Andersen TB, Gehrchen M, Ohrt-Nissen S. The influence of night-time bracing on curve progression is not affected by curve magnitude in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a study of 299 patients. Acta Orthop 2024; 95:108-113. [PMID: 38347730 PMCID: PMC10863495 DOI: 10.2340/17453674.2024.39965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The efficacy of bracing larger curves in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients is uncertain. We aimed to assess the influence of night-time bracing in AIS patients with main curves exceeding 40° Cobb angle at brace initiation. METHODS We reviewed AIS patients treated with nighttime braces between 2005 and 2018. Patients with curves ≥ 25° and estimated growth potential were included. Patients were monitored with radiographs from brace initiation until brace weaning at skeletal maturity. Patients were grouped based on curve magnitude at initial evaluation: a control group (25-39°) and a large-curves group (≥ 40°). Progression was defined as > 5° increase. RESULTS We included 299 patients (control group, n = 125; large-curves group, n = 174). In the control group, 65 (52%) patients progressed compared with 101 (58%) in the large-curves group (P = 0.3). The lower-end vertebra (LEV) shifted distally post-bracing in 41 (23%) patients in the largecurves group. Patients with progressive large curves were younger (age 13.2 [SD 1.5] vs. 13.9 [SD 1.1], P = 0.009) and more premenarchal (n = 36 [42%] vs. n = 6 [9%], P < 0.001) compared with non-progressive large curves. CONCLUSION Progression risk in patients with curves exceeding 40° treated with night-time bracing is similar to smaller curves. The LEV moved distally in almost one-fourth of the larger curves, possibly affecting fusion levels in cases of surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Heegaard
- Spine Unit, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Niklas Tøndevold
- Spine Unit, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benny Dahl
- Spine Unit, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas B Andersen
- Spine Unit, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Gehrchen
- Spine Unit, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Ohrt-Nissen
- Spine Unit, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Swaby L, Perry DC, Walker K, Hind D, Mills A, Jayasuriya R, Totton N, Desoysa L, Chatters R, Young B, Sherratt F, Latimer N, Keetharuth A, Kenison L, Walters S, Gardner A, Ahuja S, Campbell L, Greenwood S, Cole A. Bracing Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (BASIS) study - night-time versus full-time bracing in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: study protocol for a multicentre, randomized controlled trial. Bone Jt Open 2023; 4:873-880. [PMID: 37972634 PMCID: PMC10655615 DOI: 10.1302/2633-1462.411.bjo-2023-0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine with associated rotation, often causing distress due to appearance. For some curves, there is good evidence to support the use of a spinal brace, worn for 20 to 24 hours a day to minimize the curve, making it as straight as possible during growth, preventing progression. Compliance can be poor due to appearance and comfort. A night-time brace, worn for eight to 12 hours, can achieve higher levels of curve correction while patients are supine, and could be preferable for patients, but evidence of efficacy is limited. This is the protocol for a randomized controlled trial of 'full-time bracing' versus 'night-time bracing' in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods UK paediatric spine clinics will recruit 780 participants aged ten to 15 years-old with AIS, Risser stage 0, 1, or 2, and curve size (Cobb angle) 20° to 40° with apex at or below T7. Patients are randomly allocated 1:1, to either full-time or night-time bracing. A qualitative sub-study will explore communication and experiences of families in terms of bracing and research. Patient and Public Involvement & Engagement informed study design and will assist with aspects of trial delivery and dissemination. Discussion The primary outcome is 'treatment failure' (Cobb angle progression to 50° or more before skeletal maturity); skeletal maturity is at Risser stage 4 in females and 5 in males, or 'treatment success' (Cobb angle less than 50° at skeletal maturity). The comparison is on a non-inferiority basis (non-inferiority margin 11%). Participants are followed up every six months while in brace, and at one and two years after skeletal maturity. Secondary outcomes include the Scoliosis Research Society 22 questionnaire and measures of quality of life, psychological effects of bracing, adherence, anxiety and depression, sleep, satisfaction, and educational attainment. All data will be collected through the British Spine Registry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizzie Swaby
- SCHARR, Division of Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Daniel C. Perry
- Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kerry Walker
- SCHARR, Division of Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Daniel Hind
- SCHARR, Division of Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | | | - Nikki Totton
- SCHARR, Division of Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lauren Desoysa
- SCHARR, Division of Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Robin Chatters
- SCHARR, Division of Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Bridget Young
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Frances Sherratt
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nick Latimer
- SCHARR, Division of Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Anju Keetharuth
- SCHARR, Division of Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Stephen Walters
- SCHARR, Division of Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Adrian Gardner
- Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, UK
- Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sashin Ahuja
- Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales, Cardiff, UK
- Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Laura Campbell
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, UK
- Keele University, Keele, UK
| | | | - Ashley Cole
- Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - on behalf of the BASIS study group
- SCHARR, Division of Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Evelina London Children’s Hospital, London, UK
- Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, UK
- Aston University, Birmingham, UK
- Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales, Cardiff, UK
- Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, UK
- Keele University, Keele, UK
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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