Health, function, quality of life and self-esteem in AIS; preliminary results from BrAIST

a successful outcome, on the self-esteem (p<0.07), behavior (p<0.07), physical functioning (p<0.09) and role functioning (p<0.05) CHQ subscales. This difference was also found in QOL scores (p<0.04). Overall, subject QOL and CHQ scores were not different than those published for school-based populations. Conclusions Patients in this study scored similar to those in a schoolbased population, indicating little effect of the diagnosis of AIS on their physical and psychosocial function or overall quality of life. However, there were differences within the study cohort. Developing a curve of 50 degrees or greater was possibly associated with lower-ranked self-esteem, behavior, physical and role functioning and overall QOL. These findings suggest that patients who wear a brace require not only orthopaedic support, but also psychosocial support, especially in the face of significant curve progression.