Brace Treatment Resulting in Overcorrection of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Brace treatment for idiopathic scoliosis in skeletally immature children is the only effective nonoperative modality for the control of curve progression. The Charleston bending brace is a custom-molded spinal orthosis that holds the patient in a completely corrected or overcorrected position while worn at night. A 9-year-old girl presented with 10 degrees right upper thoracic and 7 degrees left lower thoracic curves and was Risser sign 0. Nighttime treatment with a Charleston bending brace was initiated when the left lower thoracic curve progressed to 19 degrees. After 27 months of nighttime brace wear, the lower thoracic curve was 21 degrees to the right. Further investigation, including magnetic resonance imaging of the spine, failed to diagnose an identifiable explanation for this atypical occurrence. Conservative treatment may improve radiographic and cosmetic appearance. Overcorrection of the curve, although not likely, is possible when part-time or nighttime bracing is implemented as a means of conservative management.