Initial experience with the providence nighttime bracing in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of nighttime bracing in AIS. Methods: Inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with AIS and skeletal immature. With an apex of the primary curve from TH7 and below and with a Cobb angel between 2045 degrees. The patients were asked to wear the brace at least 7-8 hours pr. night. No other previous treatments were accepted and a follow up at least 6 months out of brace. The brace treatment was continued until two years post menarche or for male at the expected adult height. Cross-measured x-rays were used to compare the primary Cobb angel, the in-brace correction and the outcome Cobb angel. A decreased outcome Cobb angle as well as the overcorrection of the curve measured in brace was recorded as zero. The brace treatment was considered failed if progression > 5 degrees occurred and if surgery were performed.