Effects of Conservative Treatment of Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis Using the Schroth Method and Schroth Brace.

OBJECTIVES

This case report presents and analyzes the one-year outcomes of combined Schroth physiotherapy and three-dimensional bracing in a six-year-old girl with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis, with particular focus on changes in Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation, and overall postural alignment. Given the limited evidence on conservative management in this age group, the report aims to illustrate the potential of early and intensive treatment in controlling curve progression and preserving spinal function during growth.

METHODS

A six-year-old girl with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (Risser 0) underwent Schroth physiotherapy six sessions per week and wore a three-dimensional brace for twenty hours daily over twelve months. Outcomes were assessed through radiographic measurement of Cobb angle, scoliometric evaluation of the angle of trunk rotation (ATR), and serial photographic documentation.

RESULTS

Radiographic evaluation after twelve months showed a reduction of the thoracic Cobb angle from 29.7° to 17°and the lumbar Cobb angle from 24.7° to 13°, reflecting improvements of 43% and 47%, respectively. The thoracic ATR decreased from 12° to 5°, while the lumbar value remained stable at 1°. Photographic documentation confirmed visible improvement in postural alignment.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined Schroth physiotherapy and three-dimensional bracing produced substantial reductions in spinal curvature and trunk rotation in a young patient with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. The findings suggest that early and intensive conservative treatment may be effective in controlling curve progression and improving postural alignment during the growth period.