Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: indications for bracing and conservative treatments

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) represents the most frequent tridimensional spinal deformity. Progression of curves is linked mainly to the rapid growth around puberty. The natural history can lead to large spinal and thoracic deformities, which could impose surgical treatments. In that specific adolescent period, it is possible with very accurate treatments to alt curves progression. We describe the different types of braces used worldwide their indications, technical applications, results and failures, as well our own experience. The literature agrees that with proper indications that means, still growing patients, and documented progressive curves between 20 degrees and 45 degrees, a well-designed and adapted brace providing a correction of 50% can stop the curve's progression in most of the cases.