Factors Influencing Optimal Bracing Compliance in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Single Center Prospective Cohort Study

Tomoyuki Asadasa, Toshiaki Kotani, Tsuyoshi Sakuma, Yasushi Iijima, Kotaro Sakashita, Yosuke Ogata, 
Tsutomu Akazawa, Shohei Minami, Seiji Ohtori, Masao Koda, Masashi Yamazaki

Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2024 Apr 10.doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000004997

Abstract

Study design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objective: To identify factors contributing to optimal bracing compliance in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Summary of background data: Poor brace compliance is a key factor affecting brace treatment success in AIS. Predictive factors influencing optimal brace compliance to achieve brace treatment success remain unknown.

Materials and methods: This study included AIS patients, aged 10-15, with a Cobb angle of 20-40 degrees. Demographics data, radiographic assessments, and patient-reported outcomes (including the SRS-22r patient questionnaire) were collected. Brace compliance was monitored using in-brace thermometers, defining optimal bracing time as more than 18 hours/day. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of optimal bracing time from the demographic and patient- reported outcomes score before bracing.

Results: Among 122 patients, 59.0% achieved optimal bracing time by six months. The achieved group indicated higher scores in satisfaction domain before bracing (3.3±0.7 vs. 3.1±0.6; P=0.034). Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that Satisfaction domain before bracing was an independent factor associated with achievement of the optimal bracing time (OR 1.97 [95%CI 1.00 – 3.89], P=0.049). The model with bracing at 1-month follow-up also demonstrated the bracing at 1-month was a significant factor (OR 1.52 [95%CI 1.30 – 1.79], P<0.001).

Conclusion: Optimal bracing compliance in AIS is significantly influenced by pre-bracing satisfaction and brace compliance at earlier time point. These findings highlight the need to address psychological factors and early compliance in AIS bracing treatment. SRS-22r can be useful to identify the need for psychological support.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38597189/