The Effect of Lumbar Flexion and Boston Thoracic Brace on the Curves in Idiopathic Scoliosis

Authors:
  • AUAlf Udén
    Alf Udén
  • SWStig Willner
    Stig Willner
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Abstract
The correction of scoliosis induced by pure lumbar flexion was compared with the correction with the so-called Boston Thoracic Brace. Ten patients with idiopathic scoliosis were studied. There were 11 primary curves (31 +/- 6 degrees) (mainly thoracic) and four secondary curves (22 +/- 1 degree). Pure lumbar flexion reduced the primary curves by 6 +/- 2 degrees and the secondary curves by 8 +/- 3 degrees. The brace reduced the curves by 16 +/- 6 degrees and 14 +/- 5 degrees, respectively. Lumbar flexion per se produces a correction of the scoliosis of the same degree as the Milwaukee brace. Our results emphasize the importance of reduction of the lumbar lordosis in the conservative treatment of scoliosis.