Highlights
- •Spinal bracing altered scapular kinematics in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.
- •Spinal bracing increased scapular anterior tilting and decreased internal rotation in rest.
- •Spinal bracing increased scapular downward rotation and anterior tilting during arm elevation.
- •Spinal bracing decreased the maximum humerothoracic elevation level.
Abstract
Background
Bracing is the most common nonsurgical treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Spinal braces affect glenohumeral and scapulothoracic motion because they restrict
trunk movements. However, the potential spinal-bracing effects on scapular kinematics
are unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the acute effects of spinal bracing
on scapular kinematics in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Methods
Scapular kinematics, including scapular internal/external rotation, posterior/anterior
tilting, and downward/upward rotation during scapular plane elevation, were evaluated
in 27 in-brace and out-of-brace adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients with a three-dimensional
electromagnetic tracking system. Data on the position and orientation of the scapula
at 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° humerothoracic elevation were used for statistical comparisons.
The paired t-test was used to assess the differences between the mean values of in-brace and out-of-brace
conditions.
Findings
The in-brace condition showed significantly increased (P < 0.05) scapular anterior tilting and decreased internal rotation in the resting position
on the convex and concave sides; increased scapular downward rotation at 120° humerothoracic
elevation on the convex side and at 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° humerothoracic elevation
on the concave side; increased scapular anterior tilt at 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° humerothoracic
elevation on the convex and concave sides; and decreased (P < 0.05) maximal humerothoracic elevation of the arm.
Interpretation
Spinal bracing affects scapular kinematics. Observed changes in scapular kinematics
with brace may also affect upper extremity function for adolescents with idiopathic
scoliosis. Therefore, clinicians should include assessments of the glenohumeral and
scapulothoracic joints when designing rehabilitation protocols for patients with adolescent
idiopathic scoliosis.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 22, 2017
Accepted:
May 22,
2017
Received:
June 16,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
