The Role of Patient Position in the Surgical Treatment of Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus: Comparison of Prone and Supine Position.

Background and Objectives: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus (SCHF) make up about one-third of pediatric fractures and are the most common elbow fractures in children. Reduction and fixation of SC fractures can be performed with the patient in the prone or supine position. However, the role of the patient's position during surgery is still unclear. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate, based on data from the literature, the role of patient position during closed reduction and fixation of pediatric SCHFs. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the current literature from 1951 to 2021 was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Articles were identified from 6 public databases. Articles were screened and abstracted by two investigators and the quality of included publications (n = 14) was assessed (MINORS criteria). Statistical analyses were performed using R studio 4.1.2. Results: The systematic literature review identified 114 articles, from which, according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 studies were identified. A total of 741 children were treated in the prone position and 538 in the supine position. The results of the systematic review showed that there were no statistical differences between the two positions with regard to clinical, radiographic, and complication outcomes. Conclusions:: The functional and radiographic outcome of displaced SCHFs is generally excellent regardless of the position, prone or supine, in which the patient is positioned for surgery. The choice of how to position the patient depends on the habit and experience of the surgeon and anesthesiologist performing the surgery.

Preoperative Risk Factors for Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Narrative Review of the Literature.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) poses a challenging complication for many patients undergoing arthroplasty, and the literature identifies numerous risk factors. A comprehensive understanding of the primary risk and protective factors for PJI is valuable for surgeons. This article aims to compile and summarize the key risk factors for PJI documented in the literature. Some risk factors are related to the nutritional status of patients, with obesity, weight loss, hypovitaminosis, and malnutrition being frequently reported. Pathologies affecting patients also contribute to PJI risk, including septic arthritis, hepatitis, diabetes, urinary tract infections, anemia, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, and dental pathologies. Unhealthy habits, such as tobacco and drug abuse, are significant factors. Previous corticosteroid injections may also play a role in infection development. A few protective factors are also reported in the literature (use of statins, preoperative decolonization, and preadmission skin preparation). The identification of risk factors and the implementation of evidence-based preoperative protocols are essential steps in reducing the incidence of PJI.

Proximal humeral multiple fragment fractures in patients over 55: Comparison between Conservative treatment and Plate Fixation.

Proximal humerus fractures account for about 5% of fragility fractures. These involve a significant burden of disability and a reduced quality of life. This study aims to compare functional results and surgical outcomes (closed reduction and internal fixation with the internal closure system of the proximal humerus) and the conservative management of proximal humerus fractures by 2-, 3-, 4-parts, in patients older than 55 years. Between January 2017 and April 2019, 65 patients with 2, 3 or 4-part fractures were retrospectively analyzed: 29 patients (5 males and 24 females) with an average age of 70.8 ± 9.9 years treated non-surgically (conservative group (CG)) and 36 patients (11 males and 25 females) with an average age of 66.2 ± 7.1 years treated surgically with plate fixation (operating group (OG)). Using different evaluation scores, we compared the OG and the CG. Through the DASH score we have seen how at 12 months there is a satisfactory result in patients with conservative treatment (p = 0.0019). Constant-Murley scale shows no difference between the two treatments (p = 0.2300). BARTHEL scale and SST score did not give statistically satisfactory results. Also, after one year of follow-up, patients treated with conservative therapy had a higher improvement in their Range of Motion (ROM) values than patients treated with surgical treatment. The results in terms of pain in NPRS at 3, 6, 12 months are better for conservative groups (p = 0,0000). Our findings suggest that conservative treatment in proximal humeral fractures, particularly in multi-fragmented fractures in patients over 55 years of age, designs an excellent alternative to the surgical option.

Surgical Treatment for Simple Isolated and Displaced Olecranon Fractures: Comparison between Plate and Tension Band Wire Fixation.

Background: Olecranon fractures are common injuries of the upper limb in adults. Simple displaced trasverse fractures are generally surgically treated with tension-band wiring (TBW) or plate fixation (PF). The purpose of this retrospective study is to compare the clinical-functional outcome, complications and reoperation rates between TBW and PF for Mayo IIA fractures. Methods: 72 patients treated with PF or TBW at our institution, completed our survey and clinical evaluation and their demographic and clinical data were recorded and analysed. The clinical-functional outcomes were evaluated assessing ROMs and three validated scoring systems: the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Patient American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Elbow Assessment score (pASES-e). Results: 38 patients (53%) underwent TBW and 34 (47%) PF. The mean DASH, MEPS and pASES-e scores were respectively 14.5 ± 17.2, 80.5 ± 14.7 and 83.6 ± 12.4 in the TBW group and 21 ± 21.7, 75.6 ± 15.3 and 75.1 ± 19.2 in the PF group (p = 0.16, p = 0.17 and p = 0.03). The mean duration of surgery and hospitalisation period were longer in the PF group (p = 0.002, p = 0.37) whereas the complication and reoperation rates were higher after TBW (p = 0.15, p = 0.24). Conclusions: According to the literature, both TBW and PF resulted comparable valid surgical options for the treatment of simple isolated displaced olecranon fractures. Our results corroborate previous findings, showing good/excellent outcomes without significant differences.

The Role of Biofeedback in Patellofemoral Pain Conservative Treatment: A Systematic Review.

This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness and the outcomes of the association between different types of biofeedback techniques and therapeutic exercises in the conservative treatment of patellar femoral pain (PFP). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines have been used and followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Between April and June 2023, the following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, ScienceDirect, BIOMED Central, Cochrane Library, and PEDro. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. Following the search, 414 records were found, and after using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 RCTs were retrieved to include in this systematic review, assessing 513 patients. The association between biofeedback and therapeutic exercise may be beneficial for pain, function (AKPS), extensor muscle strength, reduction of the dynamic knee valgus and vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) (EMG) optimization. All these results were valued in the short term. Regarding the intervention type, it was possible to correlate the EMG biofeedback with the benefits of the knee extensor strength and the EMG activity of VM and VL. Conversely, using mirror, verbal, and somesthetic (hands and band) feedback seems to be linked to the reduction of the knee dynamic valgus.

Catania flatfoot score: A diagnostic-therapeutic evaluation tool in children.

BACKGROUND: Flexible flatfoot (FFF) is a very common condition in children, but no evidence-based guidelines or assessment tools exist. Yet, surgical indication is left to the surgeon's experience and preferences. AIM: To develop a functional clinical score for FFF [Catania flatfoot (CTF) score] and a measure of internal consistency; to evaluate inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of the CTF Score; to provide a strong tool for proper FFF surgical indication. METHODS: CTF is a medically compiled score of four main domains for a total of twelve items: Patient features, Pain, Clinical Parameters, and Functionality. Each item refers to a specific rate. Five experienced observers answered 10 case reports according to the CTF. To assess inter- and intra-observer reliability of the CTF score, the intra-class correlation coefficients' (ICCs) statistics test was performed, as well as to gauge the correlation between the CTF score and the surgical or conservative treatment indication. Values of 75% were chosen as the score cut-off for surgical indication. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLHR), negative likelihood ratio (NLHR), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). RESULTS: Overall interobserver reliability ICC was 0.87 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.846-0.892; P < 0.001]. Overall intra-observer reliability ICC was 0.883 (95%CI: 0.854-0.909; P < 0.001). A direct correlation between the CTF score and surgical treatment indication [Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.94 (P < 0.001)] was found. According to the 75% cut-off, the sensitivity was 100% (95%CI: 83.43%-100%), specificity was 85.71% (95%CI: 75.29%-92.93%), PLHR was 7 (95%CI: 3.94-12.43), NLHR was 0 (95%CI: 0-0), PPV was 75% (95%CI: 62.83%-84.19%) and NPV was 100% (95%CI: 100%-100%). CONCLUSION: CTF represents a useful tool for orthopedic surgeons in the FFF evaluation. The CTF score is a quality questionnaire to reproduce suitable clinical research, survey studies, and clinical practice. Moreover, the 75% cut-off is an important threshold for surgical indication and helps in the decision-making process.

Diagnosis of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: How to Stay out of Trouble?

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is the most common hip disorder affecting children and adolescents aged between 9 and 16 years, affecting approximately 10 per 100,000 children per year. The diagnosis of SCFE is often delayed, leading to an increased risk of complications. This study aims to provide the latest evidence concerning the causes of diagnostic delay and risk factors for SCFE and to educate general practitioners and paediatricians to help reduce delays in diagnosis and provide earlier therapeutic intervention. A literature search was conducted in the ScienceDirect and PubMed databases according to the PRISMA statement. Suitable studies for this systematic review included 22 articles discussing the aetiology of SCFE, risk factors, and causes of late diagnosis. Causes of delayed diagnosis include underestimation by patients, initial diagnostic approach by a non-orthopaedic professional, inadequate imaging, failure to recognize morphological changes, and variation in symptomatic presentation. The underlying risk factors for SCFE are likely part of a multifactorial process which involves anatomical variations and the metabolism of leptin, growth hormone, insulin, and other metabolic parameters. This review highlights the importance of early recognition and diagnosis of SCFE and proposes an algorithm for physicians to approach children who may have this condition.

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes and Treatment Algorithm for Septic Arthritis in Children.

BACKGROUND: Septic arthritis (SA) in children is an acute inflammatory disease of the joints. If not treated promptly, it could become a surgical emergency. The incidence of the disease in children in Europe is approximately 2-7 per 100,000 children. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate which of these treatments-arthrocentesis, arthrotomy, and arthroscopy-provides better results in children and when to use them. METHODS: Three independent authors conducted a systematic review of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and MEDLINE databases to assess studies with any level of evidence that reported the surgical outcome of SA. Two senior investigators evaluated and approved each stage's findings. RESULTS: A total of 488 articles were found. After screening, we chose 24 articles that were suitable for full-text reading based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results of our analysis showed that there are no numerically significant differences reported in the literature on clinical and radiographic outcomes by surgical technique. CONCLUSIONS: We developed an algorithm that could be used if septic arthritis is suspected. Based on our results, the surgical technique to be used will depend on the operator who will perform it.

Mid-Long-Term Outcomes of Surgical Treatment of Legg-Calvè-Perthes Disease: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Legg-Calvè-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a common childhood disease that usually occurs in 4- to 12-year-old children. Surgical treatment consists of femoral, pelvic, or combined osteotomies. This comprehensive review aimed to investigate the mid- and long-term outcome of the surgical treatment. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, Science Direct, and MEDLINE databases was performed by two independent authors, using the keywords "outcome", "surgical treatment", "pelvic osteotomy", "femoral osteotomy", and "Legg-Calvè-Perthes disease" to evaluate studies of any level of evidence that reported the surgical outcome of LCPD. The result of every stage was reviewed and approved by two senior investigators. RESULTS: A total of 2153 articles were found. At the end of the screening, we selected 23 articles eligible for full-text reading according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our analysis showed that the main prognostic factors for surgical outcome in patients with LCPD are the age at onset and the degree of initial disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment in patients older than 6 years has excellent results in Herring B and B/C hips and poor results in Herring C hips, with a slight advantage for patients between 6 and 8 years old.

Early developmental milestones in patients with idiopathic clubfoot treated by Ponseti method.

Background: Idiopathic clubfoot, also referred to as congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), is one of the most common lower limb deformities observed in newborns, leading to significant functional impairment if untreated. The aims of this study were to (1) assess the developmental milestones in patients with CTEV treated by the Ponseti technique, and to compare them to the unaffected controls; (2) evaluate the possible correlation between developmental milestones, severity of the deformity, and number of casts. Materials and methods: Seventy-nine subjects were divided into two groups, CTEV group (43 patients; 72 feet) and control group (36 patients). Age, sex, affected side, attainment of babbles (BAL), independent gait (IG), and combined word (CW) were recorded for all patients. In patients with CTEV, Pirani Score (PRS), number of casts (NC), and clinical outcome were collected according to the Clubfoot Assessment Protocol (CAP), The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS), and Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI). Results: IG was achieved later later than the unaffected controls by 12/43 patients (27.9%) with CTEV and 3/36 patients in the control group (8.3%) (p = 0.04) and in a mean time of 16.8 ± 3.5 months and 13.2 ± 2.7 months, respectively (p = 0.001). In the CTEV group the mean value of CAP was 98.6 ± 4.7, of AOFAS of 98.4 ± 4.4 and of FADI equal to 99.9 ± 0.44. There were no statistically significant differences for BAL and CW; and no correlation with PRS, NC, or clinical score were identified. Conclusion: CTEV patients managed by the Ponseti technique achieve independent gait later than the unaffected controls, although they do so within the age limit of developmental. On the other hand, the Ponseti treatment has no impact on attainment of language development.

The Etiology and Risk Factors of Osgood-Schlatter Disease: A Systematic Review.

The etiology and etiopathogenesis of Osgood-Schlatter Disease (OD) are not fully understood. The aim of this review is to systematically analyze the available literature about the etiology and risk factors of OD. The literature was systematically reviewed using the PRISMA criteria to evaluate all studies published in the last 25 years (between 1996 and 2021) dealing with the etiology of OD. A total of 16 articles were included. The etiology and risk factors of OD are controversial. The main articles focused on muscular factors (mainly tightness of the rectus femoris), alteration of the patellar tendon or extensor mechanism, mechanical factors (repetitive solicitation, trauma, sports), tibial anatomy (tibial slope or tibial torsion), and histological alteration. Associations with ankle kinematic and behavior disorders were also reported. Many theories about the etiology, risk factors, and associated factors of OD have been reported in the literature, but more studies are needed to fully understand the etiopathogenesis of this disorder.

Is Obesity a Risk Factor for Loss of Reduction in Children with Distal Radius Fractures Treated Conservatively?

Background: Obesity in children is a clinical and social burden. The distal radius (DR) is the most common site of fractures in childhood and conservative treatment is widely used. Loss of reduction (LOR) is the major casting complication. The aim of this study is to evaluate obesity as a risk factor for LOR in children with displaced DR fractures (DRF) treated conservatively. Methods: 189 children under 16 years of age were treated conservatively for DRF. Patients were divided into three groups: normal weight (NW), overweight (OW) and obese (OB). The following radiographic criteria were evaluated in all patients: amount of initial translation (IT); quality of initial reduction; Cast (CI), Padding (PI), Canterbury (CaI), Gap (GI) and Three-Points (3PI) indices and the presence of LOR. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the NW and the OB group for number of LOR (p = 0.002), severity (grade) of initial translation (p = 0.008), quality of initial reduction (p = 0.01) as well as CsI and CaI (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Obese children have a significantly higher rate of LOR compared to NW and OW children. A close follow-up is necessary in this population of patients. Preventive percutaneous pinning could be considered in older obese patients in order to reduce the need for further treatment.

Diagnostic Tools in the Detection of Physical Child Abuse: A Systematic Review.

Child abuse is a critical social issue. The orthopedic surgeon's role is essential in noticing signs and symptoms of physical abuse. For this reason, several authors have proposed scoring systems to identify abuse early on and reduce undiagnosed cases. The aim of this systematic review is to overview the screening tools in the literature. In 2021, three independent authors performed a systematic review of two electronic medical databases using the following inclusion criteria: physical child abuse, questionnaire, survey, score, screening tool and predictive tool. Patients who had experienced sexual abuse or emotional abuse were excluded. The risk of bias evaluation of the articles was performed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale Cohort Studies. Any evidence-level study reporting clinical data and dealing with a physical child abuse diagnosis tool was considered. A total of 217 articles were found. After reading the full texts and checking the reference lists, n = 12 (71,035 patients) articles were selected. A total of seven screening tools were found. However, only some of the seven diagnostic tools included demonstrated a high rate of sensitivity and specificity. The main limits of the studies were the lack of heterogeneity of evidence and samples and the lack of common assessing tools. Despite the multiplicity of questionnaires aimed at detecting validated child abuse, there was not a single worldwide questionnaire for early diagnosis. A combination of more than one test might increase the validity of the investigation.

Non-Adherence to Anti-Osteoporosis Medication: Factors Influencing and Strategies to Overcome It. A Narrative Review.

To evaluate the reasons for inadequate adherence to osteoporosis therapy and to describe the strategies for improving adherence to and persistence with regular medications, we conducted a review of the literature. The primary outcome of the study was the determination of the factors adverse to the onset and maintenance of anti-osteoporosis therapies. Secondly, we focused on studies whose efforts led to finding different strategies to improve adherence and persistence. We identified a total of 26 articles. The most recurrent and significant factors identified were aging, polypharmacy, and smoking habits. Different strategies to guide patients in their osteoporosis care have been identified, such as monitoring and follow-up via telephone calls, email, and promotional meetings, and proactive care interventions such as medication monitoring, post-fracture care programs, and decision aids. Changes in the drugs regimen and dispensation are strategies tried to lead to better adherence and persistence, but also improved satisfaction of patients undergoing anti-osteoporosis treatment. Patient involvement is an important factor to increase medication persistence while using a flexible drugs regimen.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in Young Female Athletes: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is the most common cause of anterior knee pain in children and adolescents, and it is characterized by highly limiting, recurrent, frontal pain. Objectives: The purpose of the study is to assess the incidence and onset of PFPS in the young female athletes and to compare it to healthy individuals. Methods: Between 2017 and 2019, 51 subjects were reviewed and divided in three groups: rhythmic gymnastics athletes (RG; 21 individuals, mean age: 13.8 ± 3.6 years), basketball athletes (BG; 17 individuals, mean age: 14.2 ± 3.1 years), and control group (CG; 13 individuals, mean age: 14.5 ± 4.3 years). All patients underwent physical examination including patellar glide, tilt, grind and apprehension tests, tiptoe and jack tests, Coleman block, and navicular drop tests. The clinical and functional outcomes of the subjects were assessed using the Kujala patellofemoral score (KPS). Results: In RG patients were recorded 66.7% of normal footprint (NF), 9.5% of cavus feet (FCF), and 23.8% of flatfeet (FFF); 14.8% patellar positive tests, KS = 98.6 ± 13.7. BG patients had 70.6% of NF, 11.8% FCF, and 17.6% of FFF; 23.5% patellar positive tests, KS = 98.3 ± 12.4. CG patients had 61.5% of NF, 7.7% of FCF and 30.8% of FFF; 15.4% patellar positive tests, KPS = 98,9 ± 15.3. No statistically significance was found between the three cohorts of patients. Conclusions: PFPS is a common pathology; muscular imbalance and overuse could exacerbate pain and discomfort in young female athletes. Our findings show high type and level of sport activity are not related to increase frequency of clinical symptoms related to PFPS.

The Incidence of Bracing Treatment on Static and Dynamic Baropodometric Parameters in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Postural balance is an important but not well-studied concept in the treatment of adolescent scoliosis. The aim of this study was to assess whether conservative treatment with Sforzesco bracing induced negative perturbations on postural stability, as related to static, postural, and dynamic baropodometric indicators. Twelve subjects (12 females, aged 11−16) with moderate AIS, were selected among a group of 97 patients. Inclusion criteria were: (1) confirmed diagnosis of moderate AIS (Cobb angle of 21° to 35° for the primary curve); (2) thoracic or thoracolumbar primary curve; (3) skeletal immaturity with growth cartilage visible on pretreatment radiographs (Risser < 5); (4) chronological age between 11 and 16 years; and (5) Sforzesco bracing treatment. All patients underwent a physical examination and radiological measurements with anteroposterior and lateral scans. Static, postural, and dynamic assessments were performed twice by barefoot patients, with and without Sforzesco bracing. Comparison between demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data highlighted a homogeneity of the sample. We evaluated the point of maximum pressure with and without bracing and found no statistically significant differences (p value = 0.22). In postural measurements, the laterolateral oscillations, anteroposterior oscillations, and average speed of oscillations were evaluated, comparing measurements with and without bracing. There were no statistically significant differences, except for the mean rate of oscillation, which was slightly increased in the recordings with a brace compared to those without a brace, p value = 0.045. Our findings show no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in static, postural, and dynamic baropodometric indicators.

Interobserver Reliability of Pirani and Dimeglio Scores in the Clinical Evaluation of Idiopathic Congenital Clubfoot.

BACKGROUND: Dimeglio (DimS) and Pirani (PirS) scores are the most common scores used in congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interobserver reliability of these scores and how clinical practice can influence the clinical outcome of clubfoot through the DimS and Pirs. METHODS: Fifty-four feet were assessed by six trained independent observers through the DimS and PirS: three consultants (OS), and three residents (RS) divided into three pediatric orthopaedic surgeons (PeO) and three non-pediatric orthopaedic surgeons (NPeO). RESULTS: The PirS and DimS Scores were strongly correlated. In the same way, OS and RS, PirS, and DimS scores were strongly correlated, and the interobserver reliability ranked "good" in the comparison between PeO and NPeO. In fully trained paediatric orthopaedic surgeons, an "excellent" interobserver reliability was found but was only "good" in the NPeO cohort. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, after careful preparation, at least six months of observation of children with CTEV, PirS and DimS proved to be valid in terms of clinical evaluation. However, more experience with CTEV leads to a better clinical evaluation.

Sport Ability during Walking Age in Clubfoot-Affected Children after Ponseti Method: A Case-Series Study.

BACKGROUND: The Ponseti method (PM) of manipulative treatment for congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) or clubfoot became widely adopted by pediatric orthopedic surgeons at the beginning of the mid-1990s with reports of long-term successful outcomes. Sports are crucial for children's development and for learning good behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the sports activity levels in children treated with PM and to assess the different outcomes, according to gender and bilaterality. METHODS: A total of 25 patients (44 feet) with CTEV treated by the PM were included in the study. The patients were clinically evaluated according to the Clubfoot Assessment Protocol, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, Ankle-Hindfoot score, the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (CAP, AOFAS, and FADI, respectively), and FADI Sport scores. RESULTS: The overall mean CAP, AOFAS, FADI, and FADI Sport scores were 97.5 ± 6.4 (range 68.75-100), 97.5 ± 5.8 (range 73.00-100), 99.9 ± 0.6 (range 97.1-100), and 100, respectively. Gender and bilaterality did not affect outcome (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The data confirmed good-to-excellent outcomes in children with CTEV managed by PM. No limitations in sport performance or activity could be observed. In particular, male and female patients and patients with unilateral or bilateral involvement performed equally well.

Immediate Effects of Sforzesco® Bracing on Respiratory Function in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis.

The thoraco-lumbar bracing is an effective management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Studies have shown that brace wearing reduces lung volume. Whether or not the Sforzesco brace, frequently used in Italy, affects lung volume has not been investigated. We studied the immediate effect of Sforzesco bracing on lung volumes in 11 AIS patients (10 F, 1 M; aged 13.6 ± 1.6 yrs) mean Cobb angle 26 ± 4.49 degrees. Lung function variables and the perceived respiratory effort were recorded twice, before and 5 min after bracing. The one-way analysis of variance repeated measures, and multiple comparison tests, showed that means of unbraced variables were not significantly different from the corresponding means of predicted values, whereas means under brace were significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to both predicted and baseline values of respiratory variables. In addition, a significant correlation (p < 0.0001) was found between unbraced and braced values, and linear regression equations were calculated. A significant but clinically unimportant increase in perceived effort was observed under the brace. In conclusion, data indicate that lung function is not impaired in moderate AIS and that wearing the Sforzesco brace causes an immediate, predictable reduction of lung volumes. Data also suggest that the respiratory discomfort during brace wearing could not be due to respiratory function defects.