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Abstract from the SRS 2001 Annual Meeting
Vasantha Murthy, M.D.
Stanley Hoppenfeld, M.D.
Carolyn Casino, M.D.
Baron Lonner,
M.D. New York, NY PURPOSE: To determine the effect of full-time bracing with a
modified Boston Brace for idiopathic scoliosis on vital capacity METHODS: Eighty-eight
girls with thoracic idiopathic scoliosis with curves ranging from 18 to 38 degrees
at the commencement of bracing were studied. Vital capacity, height, and curve
size were recorded before bracing was initiated and through the weaning process
to follow-up a minimum of two years following removal of the brace. RESULTS: Patients
showed a decrease in vital capacity before bracing compared to predicted values
in the normal age-matched population. Early after initiation of bracing, there
was a significant additional drop in the vital capacity; however, this slowly
recovered during the process of bracing and weaning and further improved beyond
pre-bracing levels after complete removal of the brace. CONCLUSIONS: Bracing in
a TLSO did not cause a permanent restriction in vital capacity. Furthermore, it
did not prevent further development of vital capacity.
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