Evaluation of the efficiency of scoliosis braces treatment on sagittal curve in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients: A literature review

Abstract

Background:Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional musculoskeletal disorder that affects the pediatric population. Scoliosis impacts not only the coronal plane but also the sagittal curvature of the spine. Studies have presented varying findings regarding the influence of AIS on thoracic kyphosis (TK) and lumbar lordosis (LL). Brace application, considered effective for mild-to-moderate AIS, plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of sagittal curvature. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different braces in controlling scoliosis progression and preserving sagittal balance, addressing the current gap in comprehensive evidence summarization in this field.Method:A search was conducted across key databases, including Scopus, ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Ebsco, and Embase, using keywords such as scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, and brace. The initial screening of articles involved reviewing titles and abstracts. The quality assessment of selected studies was carried out using the Black and Down tool. The collected data were summarized following the PICO style.Results:Using the specified keywords, 18 papers were selected. Among them, 12 studies focused on assessing the impact of scoliosis on the sagittal curve, while 6 papers explored the influence of brace treatment on kyphosis and lordosis in these patients.Conclusion:The selected studies showed a range of quality scores, ranging from 14 to 21. The results of most studies support the idea that scoliosis can lead to hypokyphosis, depending on the severity and location of the scoliosis curve. Brace therapy may exacerbate this effect.