Psychological factors in failure to wear the Milwaukee brace for treatment of idiopathic scoliosis.

Youngsters who fail to successfully adapt to a Milwaukee Brace displayed measurable psychological differences from those who do adapt satisfactorily to this treatment approach. The study did not encompass all conceivable variables which might affect orthotic wearing, however, use of logical and empirical approach to further delineate important variables seems feasible and desirable. In fact, one can hypothesize a predictive test battery which will detect high risk patients and thus afford the physician the option of alternative treatment modes, or intensified psychological intervention if the orthosis is preferred. The nature of such a psychological test battery, as well as the actions which would constitute effective intervention, will depend on future research. Based on our data, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients can be considered high risks for compliance with a Milwaukee Brace program if they display the following psychological characteristics: lower overall intelligence uith relative deficits in general information, reading recognition and reading comprehension skills; greater potential for acting-out/rebellious behavior; relatively lower sense of personal power or "potency", less tension associated with doctors; self reports of very active personal and family life styles.