Significance Spinal deformity fusion treatment involves some of the most costly and invasive procedures in orthopaedics. The development of an effective treatment method to avoid fusion is needed. Many pediatric spine specialists concur that growth modulation displays compelling pre-clinical and clinical data that must be studied further. While bracing is the only non-operative modality with any evidence of effectiveness for idiopathic scoliosis, its level of effectiveness compared to observation or natural history remains inconclusive. Research has been published for over 50 years, yet conflicting literature reports both successes and failures. Most literature consists of retrospective reports of bracing experience, with little commonality relative to existing conditions at the time bracing is initiated, documentation of compliance and basis for judging success.