Verschillende aspecten van bracen in AIS

Rationale: Our rationale for the study is multi-layered. Brace treatment is only effective if the patient is compliant. An optimally constructed brace is not effective if only worn for two hours a week. To increase compliance the Maastricht brace is optimally constructed to increase wearability and therefore more comfort, while obtaining the same pressure and therefore effect as the current golden standard, the Boston brace. There are several aspect of bracing which are only partly known or scarcely described in current literature. Pulmonary function in brace, and pressure in bracing or the relation between effect of bracing, pulmonary function and optimal pressure within the brace is scarcely described. Motion analysis in patients with AIS with or without brace is only investigated in small groups using older techniques. With this study we would like to develop an optimal treatment plan for AIS with use of the Maastricht brace, and more insight in the pathophysiology of AIS and the effects (or effectiveness) of bracing. Objective: The main objective of the study is to quantify the effect of conservative treatment of AIS with bracing (Maastricht brace or Boston brace) by determining the deformation of cobb’s angle over time, using longitudinal radiological assessment. Secondary objectives are compliance of bracing using thermal sensors (Orthotimer), pulmonary function development in brace, motion analysis of gait impairment (VICON) in a thoracolumbar brace.

The Maastricht brace is a new develwoped thoracolumbar brace that improves wearability and quality of life, while maintaining efficiency and function