ral ssBioMed Cent Open Acce

Background: Few studies have evaluated long-term outcome after bracing using validated health related quality of life outcome measures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term outcome in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) 12 years or more after treatment with the Boston brace. Methods: 109 (80%) of 135 patients (7 men) with AIS treated with the Boston brace at a mean of 19.2 (range 12–28) years previously responded to long-term follow-up examination. All patients (n = 109) answered a standardised questionnaire including demographics, work status, treatment, Global Back Disability Question, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (100-worst possible), General Function Score (GFS) (100 – worst possible), EuroQol (EQ-5D) (1 – best possible), EQ-VAS (100 – best possible)) and Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS – 22) (5 – best possible). Clinical and radiological examination was obtained in 86 patients. Results: The magnitude of the primary prebrace major curve was in average 33.4 ° (range 20 – 52). At weaning and at the last follow-up the corresponding values were 28.3 ° (9–56) and 34.2 ° (8 – 87), respectively. The mean age at follow-up was 35 (27 – 46) years. Work status was: full tim