Brace efficacy: meta-analysis of studies conducted according to the SRS criteria for brace studies

Results 5 studies have been included (4 retrospective, one prospective), with a total of 416 patients, Cobb Angle range 25-40°, Risser 0-2, more than 10 years old, and less than 1 year post menarche at baseline. Pooling data, we had 40% of patients worsened >36° Cobb, including 27% with curves over 45°; 30% of patients were fused. Making subgroup analysis, we compared rigid braces managed according to SOSORT Criteria (SOSORT-C), with rigid braces managed without: 2% worsened (OR: 95.21; CI 93.7596.66), without any patients exceeding 45°, or fused, versus 67% worsened (44%>45°Cobb), and 55% fused. Comparing rigid braces altogether with SpineCor, we had similar efficacy, 38% vs 42% worsened (24% vs 31% >45°), 30% vs 29% fused. We had better results for papers respecting SOSORT-C, intermediate for SpineCor, and the worst for the other rigid braces papers with significant OR.