
Does Milwaukee brace work for scoliosis?
Despite this, bracing (Milwaukee or others) is still a recommended conservative treatment of scoliosis. In conjunction with physiotherapy has been shown to reduce pain, improve function and reduce the Cobb angle of patients. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Maruyama T, Takeshita K, Kitagawa T. Milwaukee brace today.
Does the Milwaukee brace still work?
"The Milwaukee brace is definitely used less today than it was. It works well with certain conditions, but you have to find the right type of patient and the right type of curve," says Robbins. Today, the brace is used for a particular kind of scoliosis called thoracic scoliosis and for a condition called Scheuermann's Disease.
What is a Milwaukee brace for kids?
A Milwaukee brace is a body brace worn to minimize the risk of progression of scoliosis and kyphosis. It is also known as a cervical-thoracic-lumbo-sacral orthosis (CTLSO). It is worn over an undershirt to protect the skin. Goal: To have your child wear the Milwaukee brace for 20 to 22 hours per day by the end of three weeks.
What is the indication for a Milwaukee brace?
Indication for use. A Milwaukee brace is used in the treatment of postural disorders like idiopathic scoliosis or Scheuerman disease. The brace is normally prescribed for children, with a postural disorder, who have not reached their growth spurt or who are in their fast growing period.

What is a Milwaukee brace used for?
The purpose of the Milwaukee brace is to stabilize and prevent progression of a deformity in the spine. For this treatment to be successful, the brace must be worn and cared for properly. When your child starts wearing the brace, it may seem uncomfortable and confining.
Is the Milwaukee brace still used for scoliosis?
Despite this, bracing (Milwaukee or others) is still a recommended conservative treatment of scoliosis. In conjunction with physiotherapy has been shown to reduce pain, improve function and reduce the Cobb angle of patients.
Is the Milwaukee brace used today?
Today, the brace is used for a particular kind of scoliosis called thoracic scoliosis and for a condition called Scheuermann's Disease. It is also used in young children with certain congenital spine deformities.
For which kind of patient brace can be used?
Generally, back braces are categorized as flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid. Rigid braces tend to be used for moderate to severe cases of pain and/or instability, such as to assist healing of spinal fractures or after back surgery. Semi-rigid and flexible braces are used for more mild or moderate pain.
Which brace is used in management of kyphosis?
Milwaukee brace has been proved to be effective in treatment of Scheuermann's kyphosis as well as decrease of the surgery need. In more severe cases (up to 90), brace treatment could be considered, provided there is enough growth remaining. The most common brace used in Scheuermann's kyphosis is Milwaukee brace yet.
What is bracing for scoliosis?
A scoliosis brace is a stiff plastic jacket that fits around the torso, from underneath the arms down to the hips. It has straps to keep it in place and straighten the spine. A brace is also called an orthotic or orthosis. There are different types.
Is kyphosis a disease?
Kyphosis is a spinal disorder in which an excessive curve of the spine results in an abnormal rounding of the upper back. The condition is sometimes known as roundback or — in the case of a severe curve — as hunchback. Kyphosis can occur at any age but is common during adolescence.
Do back braces help kyphosis?
Teenagers with mild to moderate kyphosis may need to wear a back brace. The brace is worn while the bones are still growing and prevents the curve getting worse.
What causes scoliosis?
In more than 80 percent of cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown — a condition called idiopathic scoliosis. In other cases, scoliosis may develop as a result of degeneration of the spinal discs, as seen with arthritis, osteoporosis or as a hereditary condition that tends to run in families.
What knee brace is best for osteoarthritis?
Healthline's picks of the best knee braces for arthritisACE Adjustable Knee Brace with Side Stabilizers. ... PowerLix Knee Brace. ... Vive Hinged Knee Brace. ... KARM Adjustable Knee Brace.MODVEL 2 Pack Knee Compression Sleeve.Vive Knee Ice Pack Wrap. ... Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support. ... Shock Doctor Ultra Knee Support with Bilateral Hinges.
Is knee brace good for osteoarthritis?
A knee brace is one tool in managing the discomfort of knee osteoarthritis. A brace might help reduce pain by shifting your weight off the most damaged portion of your knee. Wearing a brace can improve your ability to get around and help you walk farther comfortably.
Is knee brace good for arthritis?
Although knee braces are most often medically indicated for rehabilitation after injury, many arthritis patients with both osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis also attested to their usefulness. “I find it does help — gives a bit of support and warmth,” Stephen B. told us on Facebook.
What is bracing used for?
Bracing has a long history of use with scoliosis, dating back at least to the time of Hippocrates. Early braces were constructed of metal or plaster and were used merely to keep the spine straight. They were heavy, hot, and generally uncomfortable for the patient. Over time more sophisticated orthotics were developed with the inclusion of pressure pads placed to more specifically reduce the curvatures.
What braces are used for scoliosis?
The Boston brace, Milwaukee brace, and Charleston bending brace are used most commonly to treat idiopathic scoliosis. Recent studies show that the quality of life scores are higher for Milwaukee and Boston braces than for the Charleston brace. For most curves, the Boston brace appears more effective at preventing curves from progressing, as defined by a lower rate of surgery. Surgical rates for the Charleston brace appear to be approximately 50% higher than for either the Milwaukee or the Boston brace. The greatest difference in outcome is found in King type III curves. King type I and II curves have fairly equal results with Charleston and Boston braces. Boston braces are most appropriate for curves with the apex below T8. Milwaukee braces are best used for curves with the apex above T7. Recent strides have been made in developing strap tension systems with strap transducers instrumented to the Boston brace. These tension systems allow for optimal prescribed levels of tensioning, so the patient may achieve the best curve correction along with a reduction in curve progression.
When was the Milwaukee brace invented?
Drs. Walter Blount and Albert Schmidt at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Milwaukee's Children's Hospital developed the Milwaukee Brace in 1946. For decades, the Milwaukee Brace was the golden standard in the conservative treatment of scoliosis worldwide.
What is a brace for scoliosis?
Today, the brace is used for a particular kind of scoliosis called thoracic scoliosis and for a condition called Scheuermann's Disease. It is also used in young children with certain congenital spine deformities. "Years ago, if a kid had a curvature of the spine, they were put in the (Milwaukee) brace," says Robbins.
What is a pelvic brace?
The brace consists of a pelvic circle, throat mold, and various bars, straps and pressure pads that work together to hold a curvature and prevent it from worsening. Unfortunately, to be effective the brace has to be worn around the clock and usually during adolescence.
Treatment Approaches for Scoliosis: Conservative vs. Traditional
When a patient receives a scoliosis diagnosis, they are facing an important decision: one with the potential to shape their experience of life with the condition.
Scoliosis Bracing and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis affects millions of young people in the United States and throughout the world.
Modern Corrective Scoliosis Brace: ScoliBrace
As mentioned, just as different treatment approaches offer different potential results, different types of braces, favored by each approach, are part of those results.
Traditional Scoliosis Brace: Milwaukee
Also known as a CTLSO (Cervico-Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral Orthosis), the Milwaukee is a traditional scoliosis brace used to treat abnormal spinal curvatures of the high thoracic (middle/upper back) curves.
The Milwaukee vs. the ScoliBrace
Here at the Scoliosis Reduction Center, when appropriate, I prescribe the use of the ScoliBrace for many adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients. The ScoliBrace is modern and innovative, representing a new era of scoliosis bracing.
Conclusion
So when it comes to addressing whether a traditional Milwaukee brace, or the modern ScoliBrace is best, that answer will depend on the type of results that are desired. For patients of the Scoliosis Reduction Center, correction and spinal stabilization are valued as I believe these things preserve the spine’s function and overall health.
How long does it take to get comfortable with orthosis?
It is a gradual build-up of time that usually takes two to three weeks.
Is orthosis good for the stomach?
Orthosis wear tends to produce lazy muscles, especially in the stomach and lower back area, so it is extremely important to be as physically active as possible. You should participate in as many sports as you can and do the exercise prescribed by your physiotherapist daily.
Does ADP pay for spinal orthosis?
If you are an Ontario citizen, 75% of your spinal orthosis is paid for by the Assistive Devices Program (ADP). The remaining 25% is the responsibility of the family. Most private insurance companies may cover the cost of the client portion of the spinal orthosis. If you need help to pay for the orthosis, visit our reception desk for a listing of charitable organizations that may assist you. Please visit or contact The Centre for Orthotics for further information on pricing.
