Andersen conducted a study of 100 braced and 115 surgical patients with idiopathic scoliosis 10 years after the treatment was completed. The SF-36 scores (patient physical and mental health assessment) did not differ between the two groups; however, both group's scores were lower than age-matched normal controls. Results for the braced patients indicated that 17% felt that the brace was so unpleasant that they would rather take the chance of curve progression than wear a brace. Of the braced patients, 71% indicated that they would have preferred an operation (fusion) to a brace. More than two of three patients didn't wear the brace as prescribed due to skin irritation. Other investigators have refuted the impact of bracing on the quality of life.