Brace Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis: What Makes Sense in the New Millennium

John B. Emans, MD; SPINE: State of the Art Reviews, Volume 14, No. 1, January 2000.

Conclusion:
Brace treatment can alter the natural history of moderate idiopathic scoliosis.  Appropriately indicated, skillfully prescribed, and well-constructed braces can work to diminish the need for arthrodesis in idiopathic scoliosis and significantly alter the natural history of idiopathic scoliosis over the course of bracing and in short-term and early long-term follow-up. 

Bracing seems to be dose-related, and full-time bracing seems to be more effective for larger curves and perhaps for double curves.  For some individuals, the beneficial effect of bracing may be partly lost over a lifetime, but there seem to be a no long-term adverse effects in bone density or psychological status.  Knowledge and diligence on the part of the orthopedic surgeon makes a favorable outcome more likely.