Scripta Medica (Jan 2014)

Cheneau brace in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis

  • Dragić Dobrinka,
  • Stevanović-Papić Đurđica,
  • Talić Goran,
  • Tomić Nataša,
  • Šolaja-Koščica Vladimira

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 45, no. 2
pp. 67 – 72

Abstract

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Introduction. Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine that requires a three-dimensional correction. The aim of the paper. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Cheneau brace in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. Patients and Methods. The retrospective study included 20 girls treated by the Cheneau brace. The criteria for inclusion were: double idiopathic thoracolumbar scoliosis over 20 degrees as measured by Cobb at the beginning of the treatment, continuous treatment with a brace and exercises controlled by an expert team until the end of growth and upon reaching skeletal maturity (Risser 5). The data were collected from medical records: age, the value of Cobb's angle and degree of bone maturity at the beginning and end of treatment. We analyzed changes in scoliosis at the end of treatment compared to the initial curve by examining the two radiographs made at the beginning and end of treatment. The change of scoliosis is described as: reduced, stabilized or worsened curvature. The success of the treatment is considered to be the reduction and stabilization of scoliosis. Statistical analysis tool SPSS was used for result presentation and statistical inference. Values p<0.05 were considered statistically significant differences. Results. Success in treatment (reduction / stabilization of scoliosis) was noted in 90% of the respondents. Thoracic scoliosis was reduced in 50% of patients, stabilized in 40%, worsened in 10% of children. Reduction of lumbar scoliosis is in 70% and stabilization in 25% of patients. The average correction of thoracic scoliosis is six degrees (p <0.002) and correction of lumbar scoliosis is eight degrees (p <0.001). The average age at baseline was 12.7 years; girls have had approximately five braces changed during 4.5 years of treatment. Conclusion. The results of this study confirm the efficiency of the Cheneau brace in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis in 90% of patients.

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