The effects of Milwaukee orthosis on gait parameters in a Scoliotic subject

Abstract

Introduction: Scoliosis is one of the musculoskeletal disorders which influence the performance of subjects during standing and walking. There is no enough information regarding the influence of orthosis on gait parameters and stability functions in scoliotic subjects, therefore the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of orthosis on the mentioned parameters. Case Report: An 8 years old scoliotic girl was recruited in this study. She walked and stood with and without Milwaukee orthosis. Joint movements and force applied on the leg were measured using motion analysis system and Kistler faceplate. The length of erector spine, external oblique and internal oblique abdominalis tendons was evaluated during walking with and without orthosis by use of Open SIMM software Results: The orthosis seems to improve the performance of subjects during standing and walking. Moreover it stretches the contracted muscles on the concave side of vertebral column. Conclusion: The orthosis can align the vertebral column and improve subject abilities to stand and walk. As the length of vertebral column muscles increases following the use of orthosis, it can be concluded that it influences on the curve correction. Keywords: Orthosis, Tendon length, Gait, Scoliosis