If these children already have curvatures of these magnitudes and still have a substantial amount of skeletal growth left, then bracing is a viable option. It is important to note, however, that the intent of bracing is to prevent further deformity it is not to correct the existing curvature or to make the curve disappear. There are several different types of braces used by adolescents with scoliosis. The Milwaukee Brace is quite common and is used particularly for high thoracic curves. The brace extends from the neck to the pelvis and consists of a plastic pelvic girdle and a neck ring connected by metal bars in the front and the back of the brace.
Pressure pads push against the patient s curve to prevent further deformity.
The metal bars help extend the length of the torso, and the neck ring keeps the head centered over the pelvis. They are not as large or bulky as the Milwaukee Brace, as the TLSO braces use plastic materials shaped to fit the patient s body. The Boston Brace covers from below the breast to the beginning of the pelvic area in the front and from below the scapulae to the tailbone in the back. The brace s design forces the lumbar area to flex, which pushes in the abdomen and flattens the posterior lumbar curve. Pressure pads are also placed strategically along the curve.