Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the efficacy of bracing for @entity1615 have suffered from small sample sizes, low compliance and lack of willingness to participate. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a comprehensive cohort study for evaluating both the efficacy and the effectiveness of bracing in @entity1 with @entity1615 . @entity1 with curves at greater risk of progression were invited to join a randomised controlled trial. Those who declined were given the option to remain in the study and to choose whether they wished to be braced or observed. Of 87 eligible @entity1 (5 @entity1 and 63 @entity1 ) identified over one year, 68 (78%) with mean age of 12.5 years (10 to 15) consented to participate, with a mean follow-up of 168 weeks (0 to 290). Of these, 19 (28%) accepted randomisation. Of those who declined randomisation, 18 (37%) chose a brace. @entity1 who were more satisfied with their image were more likely to choose bracing (Odds Ratio 4.1; 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 15.0; p  =  0.035). This comprehensive cohort study design facilitates the assessment of both efficacy and effectiveness of bracing in @entity1 with @entity1615 , which is not feasible in a conventional randomised controlled trial. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:973-81.

An alternative to a randomised control design for assessing the efficacy and effectiveness of bracing in XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['Patients', 'patients', 'girls', 'boys'] @entity1615 :: ('OMIM:181800', 'Disease') :: ['adolescent idiopathic scoliosis']
@entity1615 :: (OMIM:181800,Disease) :: ['adolescent idiopathic scoliosis']
