What is the Best Course of Treatment for Patients Diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Date of Award
Summer 6-15-2023
Document Type
Non Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
In the U.S. in 2009, “there were more than 3600 hospital discharges for spinal surgery to correct adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the total costs of which (approximately $514 million) ranked second only to appendicitis among children 10 to 17 years of age” (HCUP, 2009). In this proposed study it will analyze and record data to identify what bracing methods are best for specific spinal curves and the corresponding wear times needed for successful treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This will be done by treating patients with 4 different Spinal Technology Inc. scoliosis braces and assigning them randomly to 3 different treatment groups: no wear time, daytime, and nighttime wear schedules. While collecting the data through a temperature sensor to collect accurate wear times and taking EOS images every 6 months to check the progression of the spinal curve. This study has the ability to contribute to the O&P field by including concise data reflecting what bracing style with different wear times are most effective for patients with AIS.