Does bracing affect the quality of life of the patients with idiopathic scoliosis? Re-analysis of Cobb angle-matched subjects

Milwaukee brace

The Milwaukee brace had been a standard of nonsurgical treatment for scoliosis since 1954. Milwaukee brace 23-hours wearing protocol was most effective for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. However, Milwaukee brace 23-hours wearing showed an impact on psychosocial functioning of the patients. Moreover, even with thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthosis, 23-hours wearing protocol affects patients' psychosocial function. To maintain the effectiveness of the Milwaukee brace and at the same time to reduce physical and psychological burden of the patients, we adopted part-time wearing of Milwaukee brace. Our part-time wearing treatment was effective and did not affect the quality of life of the patients with idiopathic scoliosis.