Idiopathic Scoliosis: An 11-Year Follow-Up Study of the Role of the Milwaukee Brace in Curve Control and Trunco-Pelvic Alignment

One hundred and fifty-two patients with idiopathic scoliosis were treated at the Alfred I. duPont Institute with the Milwaukee brace between 1961 and 1972. This study includes 94 patients and was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of Milwaukee brace treatment in managing various sequelae associated with idiopathic scoliosis, such as degree of curvature and trunco-pelvic alignment, and to assess the degree of spinal stability after treatment. Good results were obtained in patients with curves less 30 degrees; in addition, there was improvement in trunco-pelvic alignment and curve correction. However, results varied considerably among patients and were unpredictable. Double major curve patterns were found to have a poor response to bracing. After bracing is stopped, rate of curve progression appears to decrease with time.