BRACE MAP, a proposal for a new classification of braces

Braces today are named according to the author's name or town. The existing classification of braces considers only the anatomical spinal section involved (C: cervical; T: thoracic; L: lumbar; S: sacral; Orthosis). The absence of a more detailed classification do not allow to really distinguish between the different braces and to have a common language between the conservative treatment experts. Our aim was to propose and verify a new classification of braces. We developed the classification and applied it to 13 different braces (Boston, Charleston, Cheneau 2000, Lapadula, Lyonese, Maguelone, Milwaukee, PASB, Providence, Sforzesco, Sibilla, SpineCor, Triac). We considered the following items (acronym BRACE MAP): Building, Rigidity, Anatomical classification, Construction of the Envelope, Mechanism of Action, Plane of action. Each item is composed by 2 to 7 classificatory elements defined using one or maximum two letters, so that from the classification it is possible to come back to the brace characteristics. Out of the 13 braces considered, BRACE MAP did not allow to differentiate only two. This first proposal needs to be refined through Consensus and discussions that are already underway in the international Society On Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT); nevertheless, BRACE MAP appears to be useful in distinguishing between the existing braces.