Scoliosis

Bracing Adolescent Idiopathic ScoliosIS (BASIS) Study night-time versus full-time bracing in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Addressing priority 1: NIHR research in progress

Scoliosis is a condition that affects children where the spine twists and curves to the side. It develops when the child is growing, usually between the ages of 10 and 15 years. There are different types of brace worn in order to stop the curve worsening. The most common type of brace is recommended to be worn for at least 20 hours a day, known as full-time brace . This holds the spine in its current position to prevent it worsening and there is good evidence that it works. The alternative is a night-time brace , which is only worn in bed at night. Night-time braces push the curve to make it straighter overnight, though the evidence for its benefit is less clear. Adolescents do not like wearing braces, as they interfere with activities and are uncomfortable, so there are advantages to wearing a brace just at night. This study will investigate if a night-time brace is as good as the full-time brace and will find out patient's experiences of the two braces.