[Long-term effect of brace treatment on spinal decompensation in idiopathic scoliosis. A comparison of Milwaukee brace--Chêneau corset].

Spinal decompensation is a statistically important factor in idiopathic scoliosis. In our study we compared longterm influence of brace-treatment by Milwaukee brace and Chêneau-Orthosis. Twenty-six patients treated by Milwaukee Brace and 21 treated by Chêneau-Orthosis were followed up with an average of 7.8 (Milwaukee) and 4 (Chêneau) years. No correlation was found between spinal decompensation, expression and localisation of the major curve. Further we didn't find any correlation between spinal decompensation and development of the major curve under therapy. Chêneau-Orthosis showed better results significantly. In 61.9% of all patients decreased of spinal decompensation to 35% of the initial value was seen. With Milwaukee Brace only 38.5% of the patients did improve to 46.6% of the initial value. A prediction for development of spinal decompensation under therapy was not possible.