Bracing Research in Idiopathic Scoliosis

Bracing remains an important treatment for idiopathic scoliosis, but many questions about effectiveness, patient selection, adherence, and long-term outcomes remain unanswered. This paper reviews key developments in bracing research, including standardised study criteria, major clinical trials, and patient-led research priorities. It also considers future research methods, including randomised controlled trials, trials within cohorts, target trial emulation, observational studies, and health economic evaluation. Important areas for future work include skeletal maturity assessment, optimisation of brace design and adherence, psychological impact, and the role of bracing in early-onset and non-idiopathic scoliosis. Better use of registries and robust prospective study designs will be essential to improve evidence and guide personalised care.