Evaluation of the effectiveness of Chêneau brace treatment for idiopathic scoliosis – own observations

IntroductionProgressive nature of scoliosis significantly affects the development and functioning of a young organism. The extensive interest of medical experts in spinal deformities stems from their high incidence in the population of youth (2–3%), health consequences resulting from the disease progression as well as high economic and social costs.AimEvaluation of the effectiveness of the Chêneau brace in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis.Materials and methodsThe research material comprised 302 patients treated in the Chair and Teaching Hospital of Rehabilitation and the Provincial Children's Hospital in Ameryka near Olsztyn, for idiopathic scoliosis, ranging in ages from 8 to 17. The observation period was from 2 to 5 years. Qualification for orthopedic brace was conducted according to the recommendations of an international group of experts. We analyzed radiograms in the antero-posterior projection taken during the treatment and assessed the Cobb angles. The treatment was finished after skeletal maturity was achieved.ResultsAt the stage of research material analysis some patients were excluded for the following reasons: lack of skeletal maturity – 66 (21.8%), interrupted treatment – 110 (36.4%), co-existing diseases impacting on the clinical course of scoliosis – 47 (15.5%). The study group, i.e. 79 patients, who completed their treatment, were divided into sub-groups depending on the effect of their treatment. 20 patients improved (24.7%), 18 (22.2%) were stable, 9 (11.1%) worsened, and 32 (41.9%) were qualified for surgical procedure.DiscussionMeta-analyses of international literature have shown that bracing is an effective therapeutic method for idiopathic scoliosis. However, our studies have shown that a large number of patients decide to finish their therapy too early or do not undertake brace treatment at all.ConclusionsA large number of patients in the lowest mean age group (12.4 years) who were eventually qualified for surgical procedure is disconcerting. The best outcome of the Chêneau brace treatment was achieved in the group of the highest mean age of 14.3.