The Effect of Bracing on Spinopelvic Rotation and Psychosocial Parameters in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of bracing on spinopelvic rotation and psychosocial parameters in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Complex three-dimensional deformity in AIS is proposed to influence the spinopelvic parameters and psychosocial condition in adolescents; however, few studies have quantitatively evaluated these parameters. METHODS: Thirty AIS who were prescribed a brace were included in the study. The patients’ standing postero-anterior and total spine radiographs were used to measure the primary curve Cobb angle, vertebral rotation, and pelvic rotation. Apical vertebral rotation (AVR), upper AVR, and lower AVR were measured using the Nash-Moe method. Pelvic rotation was determined using the left-to-right hemipelvic width ratio. The curve pattern was classified as per the Lenke classification system. In all, 14 patients had a type I curve, five had type II, six had type III, one had type IV, and four had type V curves. Brace compliance was subjectively evaluated by interviewing the patients and their parents. The health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and stress level of the recruited patients were assessed using the Brace Questionnaire and Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS: The Cobb angle significantly decreased with at least 6 months of brace use. AVR correction changed significantly; however, no such results were observed for upper and lower AVR. Pelvic rotation and psychosocial parameters were not significantly affected by brace use. No statistically significant correlation was observed between brace compliance and curve correction. CONCLUSIONS: The Cobb angle and AVR are crucial measurements that help evaluate the treatment efficacy in AIS with small curves who undergo brace treatment. HRQOL and pelvic axial rotation are not influenced by the brace treatment.