Quality of life of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing conservative treatment

Materials and methods 69 adolescents, aged 10 to 18 years, were classified into two groups according to the method of treatment. 39 patients underwent Cheneau bracing and physiotherapy with the DoboMed program, and 30 were treated with physiotherapy only. All children were asked about their social, emotional and biological problems related to their illness and method of treatment. The group being treated with bracing answered a 24-point questionnaire, and the non-braced group answered a 21-point questionnaire. Each question had answer scale from 1 point (never) to 5 points (always). Results The Cheneau brace negatively affected adolescent quality of life in social and biological aspects. Most of the patients declared feeling ashamed in a school environment and experienced an uncomfortable sense of heat and pressure. Patients treated by physiotherapy only did not experience negative consequences of their illness and applied treating methods.