[Active scoliosis in a modified Milwaukee brace (author's transl)]

On the basis of new insights in sport-medicine active exercises in the Milwaukee brace have been developed which enable the patient to straighten out his spine "on command". The first exercises serves the straightening. A skin-stimulus (spearing) makes the patient straighten his spine actively. First the doctor, later the parents, stimulate with a prick near the thoracic bulge. The patients learn to withdraw the gibbus from it. To re-inforce muscular power, an isometric resistance is exerted after correction. The second exercise corresponds to the well-known active extension with the extension-bandage of Krämer, but this effect is achieved with a modification of the brace. The pelvic girdle contains two shallow holes into which grips can be inserted. The lenght of these grips is so arranged that the power of the arms can be used to best effect. This exercise, too, will later be carried out against the resistance of a sandbag weighing 2-4 kg which is put on the patient's head. Both exercises have the great advantage that they seem to make sense to the patient and will be gladly and regularly carried out. They also encourage the young girls to wear the brace with more hope for success.