Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial (BrAIST) (BrAIST)

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Shriners Hospitals for Children, Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City, University of Rochester

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a structural curve of the spine with no clear underlying cause. Bracing is currently the standard of care for preventing curve progression and treating AIS. However, the effectiveness of bracing remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to compare the risk of curve progression in adolescents with AIS who wear a brace versus those who do not and to determine whether there are reliable factors that can predict the usefulness of bracing for a particular individual with AIS.

AIS is characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine greater than 10 degrees plus rotation of the spinal vertebrae. AIS is found in adolescents between the age of 10 and time of skeletal maturity. Progression of a spinal curve to 50 degrees suggests a high risk for continued curve progression throughout adulthood and usually indicates the need for spinal fusion surgery. Only about 10 percent of adolescents with AIS end up having curves that progress and require surgical intervention. While certain risk factors for curve progression have been identified, there is no reliable way of estimating the likelihood of needing surgery. Bracing is currently the standard of care for treating AIS. However, the effectiveness of bracing remains unclear, and it is unknown which adolescents in particular may benefit from bracing. Therefore, adolescents undergo bracing without knowing their likelihood of avoiding surgery. The purpose of this study is to compare the risk of curve progression in adolescents with AIS who wear a brace versus those who do not and to determine whether there are reliable factors that can predict the usefulness of bracing for a particular individual with AIS. The study will also evaluate the best dosing and duration schedule and how bracing affects quality of life, functioning, and psychosocial adjustment among participants. Participation in this study will last until a participant reaches skeletal maturity or their spinal curve progresses to 50 degrees, after which usual care will continue. Participants will either be 1)randomly assigned to a treatment or 2) may decline randomization and choose their own treatment arm. Study visits will occur every 6 months at an orthopaedic surgeon's office and will include x-rays, a clinical exam, and questionnaires. Participants assigned to braces will be instructed to wear the brace at least 18 hours per day. Temperature monitors placed in the brace will be used to determine the actual wear time by each participant.

This study involves full-time, rigid TLSO's only. Braced subjects are followed every six months with radiography, clinical exam and self-reported evaluations of health and functioning. Orthotic evaluations are conducted every 6 months as as necessary to maintain brace fit and function.

Observation. Observed subjects are followed every six months with radiography, clinical exam and self-reported evaluations of health and functioning.

Brace (TLSO) applied for at least 18 hours per day. Wear time measured using a temperature monitor. Clinical, radiographic, and self-report follow-up every 6 months.

Skeletal maturity and the Cobb angle were measured at baseline and at each 6-month follow-up. Subjects were followed until they reached criteria for either success or failure. The average duration of follow-up was 23.67 months.

Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of AIS Skeletally immature (Risser grade 0, 1, or 2) Pre-menarchal or post-menarchal by no more than 1 year Primary Cobb angle between 20 and 40 degrees Curve apex caudal to T7 vertebrae Physical and mental ability to adhere to bracing protocol Ability to read and understand English, Spanish, or French Documented insurance coverage and/or personal willingness to pay for treatment Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of other musculoskeletal or developmental illness that might be responsible for the spinal curvature History of previous surgical or orthotic treatment for AIS

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Weinstein SL, Dolan LA, Wright JG, Dobbs MB. Effects of bracing in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. N Engl J Med. 2013 Oct 17;369(16):1512-21. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1307337. Epub 2013 Sep 19.

Schwieger T, Campo S, Weinstein SL, Dolan LA, Ashida S, Steuber KR. Body Image and Quality of Life and Brace Wear Adherence in Females With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. J Pediatr Orthop. 2017 Dec;37(8):e519-e523. doi: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000000734.

Schwieger T, Campo S, Weinstein SL, Dolan LA, Ashida S, Steuber KR. Body Image and Quality-of-Life in Untreated Versus Brace-Treated Females With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2016 Feb;41(4):311-9. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000001210.

Dolan LA, Weinstein SL, Abel MF, Bosch PP, Dobbs MB, Farber TO, Halsey MF, Hresko MT, Krengel WF, Mehlman CT, Sanders JO, Schwend RM, Shah SA, Verma K. Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial (BrAIST): Development and Validation of a Prognostic Model in Untreated Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Using the Simplified Skeletal Maturity System. Spine Deform. 2019 Nov;7(6):890-898.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.jspd.2019.01.011.