Biological factors and predictability of bracing in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Biological factors that could have a predictive value in treating idiopathic scoliosis by brace were studied in 107 patients (102 girls and 5 boys). The mean age of the patients was 14 years 6 months, and the mean Cobb angle of the curves was 36 degrees at start of treatment. The Boston brace was used for an average of 1 year 6 months, and mean follow-up time after weaning was 3 years. Scoliosis with an apex of Th 10-12 proved to be the most favorable for the final result, with a mean correction of 2 degrees. All other curves remained unchanged. Patients who had a period of rapid growth just before or during treatment had a better final result than the others. The final result was also better when treatment was started before menarche.