Sforzesco brace (SPoRT Concept) versus Risser cast in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treatment: similar efficacy, with reduced spinal side effects for the brace

Abstract

Study design From our prospective database we included all patients with AIS, followed-up for eighteen months during Risser cast (twelve months plus six month in Lyon brace full time) or Sforzesco brace treatments. Risser cast treatment [1] was our standard treatment for worst curves until January 2004. The Sforzesco brace method is our current approach. We had eighteen patients in cast (83% female, 14.3 ± 1.11 years of age, Cobb angle 39.5 ± 7.5 degrees) and thirty-three patients in brace (79% females, 14.1 ± 1.10 years of age, Cobb angle 40.9 ± 12.1). Analysis included measurement of Cobb angle, Bunnell angle of trunk rotation (ATR) [2], rib hump magnitude, aesthetic index, and sagittal distances from the plumbline.