The Effect of the Milwaukee Brace on Spinal Decompensation in Idiopathic Scoliosis

Decompensation of the spine was evaluated in 22 patients with idiopathic thoracolumbar or lumbar scoliosis, both prior to and following treatment in a Milwaukee brace. Curves ranged from 25 degrees to 47 degrees and were followed for an average of three and a half years beyond skeletal maturity. The average time in brace was 47 months. Initial decompensation was unrelated to a patient's age, skeletal maturity, curve location, or curve magnitude. At follow-up, there was no predictable improvement in decompensation despite compliant brace treatment. Changes in decompensation did not correlate with length of brace wear, initial magnitude or changes in curve magnitude, or skeletal age at which treatment was begun.