Research presented at the 2026 International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) Congress in Italy provided evidence that high-quality, custom 3D bracing can achieve meaningful curve improvement during a patient’s growth.
The findings, presented by the National Scoliosis Center, emphasized that while diagnosis and age are factors, treatment success is heavily influenced by the quality of the brace and consistent management, including full-time wear and frequent clinical checkups.
“Our findings reinforce that excellent brace management—including more frequent follow-ups and shorter intervals between checks—provides the highest odds of success,” said co-author Sabrina Donzelli, MD, director of research at the National Scoliosis Center.
The study, “Optimizing TLSO Bracing: Growth Modulation is Achievable in AIS and EOS Regardless of Etiology,” involving 267 patients, also highlighted the importance of identifying scoliosis early, while a child is still growing, when growth modulation is more likely.
Co-authors included Hope Amador, CPO, Kristian Christensen, CPO, Cara Pinker, CPO, Michelle Koehler, CO, and Luke Stikeleather, CO, founder and chief orthotist, National Scoliosis Center.
“Sharing this research at SOSORT validates what we’ve seen clinically for years—that high-quality custom bracing, combined with close patient management, can do far more than simply hold a curve,” said Stikeleather. “In many cases, it can harness growth to help progressively improve spinal alignment while allowing kids to stay active, confident, and doing what they love.”
