Cheneau bracing with dobomed physiotherapy for thoracic scoliosis: prospective evaluation of 25 patients followed to skeletal maturity

Introduction

Giving evidence of efficacy of conservative management of progressive idiopathic scoliosis in the period of rapid adolescent growth requires prospective evaluation and a long time observation, thus the final number of patients available for analysis is often limited.

The aim of the study was to present a series of patients who finished the conservative treatment.

Material and methods

Twenty-five girls aged 10 to 14 years underwent conservative treatment for thoracic idiopathic scoliosis. All revealed radiological proof of progression. The initial thoracic Cobb angle revealed the value of 16.0° to 40.0° , mean 26.1° ± 8.4°. Cheneau brace was ordered for full time wearing, accompanied with DoboMed daily physiotherapy. The treatment was endorsed during a 2 week in-patient stay at the rehabilitation department; the brace was fitted and the patients learned physiotherapy. Regular controls were performed with a radiological check once a year. The duration of therapy was 36 to 89 months, mean 53.6 ± 14 months. The last radiography was done 6 months after discharging from brace.

Results

The effective time of brace wearing reported on investigation varied from 8 to 23 hours, mean 11.9 ± 5.5 hours. The Cobb angle at follow-up was 8.0° to 54.0°, mean 32.0° ± 12.7°. The stabilization was achieved in 56% of patients. Three patients (12%) exceeded the value of 50° of Cobb, considered to be surgical indication.

Conclusion

Stabilization of progressive thoracic scoliosis was achieved in girls using the Cheneau brace and specific DoboMed physiotherapy.