LONG-TERM INFLUENCE OF BRACE TREATMENT ON SPINAL DECOMPENSATION IN IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

Spinal decompensation is a statically important factor in idiopathic s coliosis. In our study we compared longterm influence of brace-treatme nt by Milwaukee brace and Cheneau-Orthesis. Twenty-six patients treate d by Milwaukee Brace and 21 treated by Cheneau-Orthesis were followed up with an average of 7.8 (Milwaukee) and 4 (Cheneau) years. No correl ation was found between spinal decompensation, expression and localisa tion of the major curve. Further we didn't find any correlation betwee n spinal decompensation and development of the major curve under thera py. Cheneau-Orthesis showed better results significantly. In 61.9% of all patients decreaseal of spinal decompensation to 35% of the initial value was seen. With Milwaukee Brace only 38.5% of the patients did i mprove to 46.6% of the initial value. A prediction for development of spinal decompensation under therapy was not possible.