Spinal bracing in the institutionalized person with scoliosis

Twenty institutionalized children with scoliosis were treated with a spinal bracing program for an average of two years. The Boston brace with or without superstructure was employed. These children generally had neuromuscular disease and were often functional sitters only. Seizure disorders were common. Fifteen thoracolumbar curves were improved from a prebracing mean curvature of 4.25 degrees to a postbracing mean curvature of 31 degrees. The three lumbar curves improved from 39 degrees to 30 degrees. On patient was termed a failure. The program is considered to be of definite benefit.