If you want to learn more about the inputs or outputs hover for more information. Input your characteristics by using the sliders.

Disclosures

This assessment is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any health condition or problem. Users should not rely on information provided by this tool for medical decision making, and should direct all questions regarding medical matters to their physician or other health care provider. Use of the assessment does not create an express or implied physician-patient relationship. University of Iowa Health Care does not record specific user information and cannot contact users of the assessment. Users should consult with a physician or other professional health care provider prior to making any decision, or undertaking any action or not undertaking any action related to any health care problem or issue that users may have at any time, now or in the future. In using the assessment you agree that neither University of Iowa Health Care nor any other party is or will be liable or otherwise responsible for any decision made or any action taken or any action not taken due to your use of any information presented in the assessment.

University of Iowa Health Care makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, comparative or controversial nature, or usefulness of any information contained or referenced in the assessment. University of Iowa Health Care does not assume any risk whatsoever for use of the assessment or the information contained therein.

I understand that the information I receive here is not meant to replace my own physician's advice, and agree to the disclamer above.

Age

Age

Scoliosis tends to increase during growth spurts. In the BrAIST-Calc model, 10 and 11 year-olds are at higher risk for curve progression and surgery than older patients.

Maximum Cobb Angle

Maximum Cobb Angle

The Cobb angle measures how big your curve is in degrees. Many doctors recommend surgery if the Cobb angle is greater than 45-50 degrees (especially if you are still growing). In BrAIST-Calc, every degree greater than 27 increases the risk that the curve will progress to surgery.

Risser Grade

Risser Grade

We look at your hip bones on an x-ray to determine what your Risser grade is. The Risser grade ranges from 0 (you have lots of growing to do) to 5 (you are almost done growing). Scoliosis tends to worsen while a patient is growing. In BrAIST-Calc, patients with a Risser grade of 0 have a much higher risk of curve progression and surgery than those with a Risser grade of 1 or more.

Height

Height

Your BMI (ratio of height and weight) is calculated from your height and weight. Patients with a low BMI have curves that are more likely to progress than those with a higher BMI. In BrAIST-Calc, patients with a BMI less than 20 are at higher risk for curve progression and surgery.

Weight

Weight

Your BMI (ratio of height and weight) is calculated from your height and weight. Patients with a low BMI have curves that are more likely to progress than those with a higher BMI. In BrAIST-Calc, patients with a BMI less than 20 are at higher risk for curve progression and surgery.

lbs

This means that without treatment, of 100 patients like you, approximately 55 will have a scoliosis that gets worse and the doctor may recommend surgery.
Bracing treatment may decrease your risk of surgery.
BrAIST-Calc can estimate how bracing can help.

Move the slider below to see how wearing a brace for different hours a day changes your risk of curve progression to surgery.

Hours in Your Brace per Day

Hours in Your Brace per Day

BrAIST and other research studies have shown that the more a brace is worn, the more effective it is. Some patients may need to wear their brace more than others for it to work.

hr