Objectives
The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate whether treatment with a carbon brace stops the progression of idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents affected by combined or thoraco-lumbar scoliosis.
Background
The carbon brace is a single shell corset whose supports are defined according to the x rays and a 3D reconstruction [1]. Their mobility results from using carbon adjustable strips. The study was carried on a population of 115 scoliotic children whose average age is 12.5.
Material and methods
We compared clinical features and radiolographic data at brace set-up and removal in 115 patients with combined or thoracolumbar scoliosis. The impact of the brace was evaluated in 2 subgroups according to their Risser stages. With 95 patients, a questionnaire was used to evaluate the physical and psychological tolerance of the brace.
Results
At brace set-up, the immediate angular correction was about 50% compared to the pre-brace angle; the reduction of the vital capacity was weak. After brace removal, radiographic data showed significant improvement in thoraco-lumbar and lumbar curves of patients with combined scoliosis, although the thoracic curvature of the combined scoliosis was unchanged. No significant efficiency on the hump was observed.
Conclusions
The CMCR can stop the progression of moderate combined or thoracolumbar scoliosis during growth, this type of orthosis provides a better outcome in terms of thoracic mobility and vital capacity, but have little efficacy on the hump. The CMCR brace is indicated for patients with flexible scoliosis. This “mobile” brace has definitely its place in the current therapeutic arsenal.
References
- Bernard JC. et al. Evaluation du résultat d’un corset monocoque respectant la respiration (CMCR) dans la scoliose idiopathique chez l’enfant et l’adolescent : étude rétrospective sur 115 patients. Ann Readapt Med Phys. 2005;48(9):637–649. doi: 10.1016/j.annrmp.2005.08.004. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]