Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial (BrAIST)

Launched by STUART WEINSTEIN · Mar 14, 2007

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

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 estim...

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• 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