Bracing is an accepted standard therapy for idiopathic scoliosis at Cobb angle ranges between 25° and 45°. However, it is unclear, if a specifically tailored regimen of daytime and nighttime braces (=double brace) yields superior results compared to the standard treatment (single brace for day and night). These two treatment regimens were investigated in the study.

One-hundred-fifteen patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) were assessed before initiation of bracing treatment and at the final follow-up 2 years after deposition of the brace. They were divided into two groups: double-brace group and single-brace group. Each patient underwent clinical and radiological examinations and Cobb angles were measured.

Inclusion Criteria:

• AIS
• age between 10 and 15 years (y)
• Risser's sign of 0-2
• Cobb curvature angle of 25-40°
• no previous treatment
• compliance (at least 23 h wearing time)

Exclusion Criteria:

• non-idiopathic scoliosis
• Cobb curvature angle >40°
• <10 years and >15 years for initial treatment

Patients with AIS were managed as recommended by SOSORT Consensus statement. Inclusion criteria were according to the Scoliosis Research Society criteria. Initial diagnostics included a clinical examination, standardized X-ray of the entire spine in standing position. Patients for whom cost coverage of double-brace therapy was denied by the health insurance company received a single full-day and nighttime Chêneau type brace treatment. All other patients received a Chêneau brace for daytime and a Charleston type nighttime bending brace. Patients who were prescribed the brace were instructed to wear it for 23 hours/day. Patients were seen at 6-month intervals, at which times we collected radiographic, clinical, orthotic, and self-reported data.