Thesis Abstract

An experiment was conducted to compare idiopathic scoliosis before Chêneau brace treatment with after treatment and determine if any significant changes in topography values (lateral deviation, rotation and trunk length) were present; and also reductions in Cobb and torsion angles.  The subjects were 23 children diagnosed with progressive idiopathic scoliosis and/or presented a Cobb angle greater than 30 degrees, who were fitted and treated with the Chêneau brace during 4 years.  The subjects’ surface topography was measured before and after treatment using the Formetric system, and the X-ray angles were measured using the Cobb and torsion angles.  It was predicted that those who wore the Chêneau brace would report a reduction in Cobb and torsion angles as well as topography values compared with before the start of treatment.  Significant differences were found in the topography values, also significant differences were found in the reduction of Cobb and torsion angles after wearing the Chêneau brace.  Perhaps the most reasonable explanations for these findings are concerned with the effect of the three-dimensional design of the Chêneau brace.  The strategically placed pressure points with the large expansion rooms provide space for correction of many aspects of the deformity.  Since the incidence of progression of these subjects was high if untreated, the results were favourable.