[The treatment of Scheuermann's kyphosis with the Milwaukee brace (author's transl)].

The application of the Milwaukee brace during adolescence is indicated not only in scoliosis, but also in severe forms of Scheuermann's kyphosis. In Basel between 1970 and 1979, 55 patients with severe thoracic kyphosis were treated with the Milwaukee brace. 45 of these patients were followed for a longer period of time. The results of the measurements of the kyphotic angles and of the angles of the wedges vertebral bodies are presented in detail. In those children who were followed to adulthood an average curvature correction from 40 degrees to 32 degrees was found. This represents a correction exceeding 50%, if a physiological angle of 25 degrees is presumed. Also, measurements showed erection of the wedged vertebral bodies after completion of growth. Consequently, the use of the Milwaukee brace for rigid thoracic kyphosis of more than 35 degrees in adolescents is advised.