Calculator

Correction and Outcome Calculator

Multiple studies have shown that the final outcome in bracing is proportional to the number of hours the brace is worn and proportional to the amount in “in-brace correction” achieved (reduction in size of the curve when comparing the in-brace x-ray to the original x-ray).

In-Brace Correction Calculation

Expected “In-Brace Correction” will vary primarily depending on factors of curve type and sex.

The inclusion of other defining factors of curve pattern, curve size, age (Risser value) and weight allows us to more accurately predict the amount of in-brace correction.

Wear Time

Scoliosis bracing is a dose dependent treatment. A child grows 24/7, therefore the more the child wears the brace the more effective it will be. Based upon a plethora of studies the effectiveness of bracing based upon wear time only is as follows:

A brace is more corrective in supine (lying down) then upright. Therefore, to determine expected outcome we need a combination of Average Daytime Wear Time (ADT) + Average Nighttime Wear Time (ANT) + Average Daily No Brace Time (AXT)
i.e., ADT + ANT + AXT = 24 = 100% of time

Time Off

Each day per month represents 1/30 of the total monthly wearing time and therefore each day off represents an average daily reduction in brace wear time of ~3.5%. Or ~ 0.75 hours/day (45 mins). Therefore, for this reason, if an average of 1 day/month the brace is not worn at all then the time the patient is instructed to wear the brace on all other days should increase by 45 mins/day to compensate.

Outcome Calculator

Once we have values for average daily wear time and in-brace correction. We can apply calculations to estimate the outcome of bracing treatment.