Scoliosis correction with the Wilmington-brace

Question: As part of our study, the effectiveness and patient's acceptance of the Wilmington-brace is to be evaluated. The effectiveness can be docume nted with the help of the primary correction achieved, especially in light of the fact, that the primary correction and the longterm results are direc tly dependant upon one another. Material and method: We examined a total of 52 patients with an idiopathic scoliosis treated in a thermoplast brace. The group consisted of 38 female and 14 male patients (average age 11.6 years). The angulation was meas ured with the help of the Cobb-angle and the rotation with the method described by Nash and Moe. The skeletal age was classified according to Risser's-sig n. The angle determinations were carried out at three separate points in ti me - at first presentation, prior to bracing and four to six weeks followin g bracing. Results: The patients presented with an average angulation of 31 degrees. T he average correction achieved in the Wilmington-brace was 41%. This corres ponds to a correction of 13 degrees. The best primary correction (45%) was obtained in the thoracolumbar spine. Those patients with the smallest defor mity at the onset of treatment showed the best results. The scoliosis with a large primary deformity and a marked rotation of the vertebral bodies res ponded poorly to correction. Advanced age or skeletal maturity were also li miting factors. Physical therapy had a positive influence on the amount of primary correction obtained. Clinical relevance: The Wilmington-brace (thermoplast) allows for a good pr imary correction of idiopathic scoliosis. The simplicity of application and the low production costs are also positive attributes.