Frequently Asked Questions
These answers have been concluded from my experience with the Rigo System Cheneau brace (RSC brace) and Cheneau brace, therefore they are my perceptions and beliefs. As a result, it is important to also consult you doctor, PT and orthotist with any scoliosis questions.
1. What is a Cheneau brace ? A thermoplastic scoliosis brace modeled on a hyper-corrected positive plaster cast of the patient. This is a 3-dementional correctional brace which has significant pressure and expansion areas built into the brace, which provides correction in all three anatomical planes. It should follow the general correction principle as was written by Dubousset: “ detorsion and sagittal plane normalisation, which would effect correction of the coronal and transversal planes, resulting in some elongation of the spine, without any significant distraction force”.
2. What is an RSC brace ? A Rigo System Cheneau (RSC) brace is a scoliosis brace that is based on the original theories of Dr Cheneau, however Dr Rigo furthered the designs by combining his new scoliosis classification types. The brace is manufactured with an Ortholutions CAD CAM technique.
3. What type of braces do you make? I have fabricated, fit and delivered many types of braces, including many Boston braces, Charleston Bending Braces (CBB), Providence Braces, Milwaukee braces, Malaga Braces, Lyones Braces, Cheneau Braces, RSC braces as well as other scoliosis braces. However, I have been trained for over 10 years by Dr Cheneau and Dr Rigo in their braces, therefore I specialize in their braces. I hand modify my Cheneau and RSC braces.
4. What type of Cheneau brace and RSC brace do you design? My brace designs or blueprints are personally approved by Dr Rigo in Barcelona, therefore they are as close as you can get outside of Spain and Germany.
5. Can my son or daughter get a lower profile brace (ie less plastic) for his or her scoliosis treatment? Unfortunately, we do not choose the type RSC or Cheneau brace. The brace design and model is chosen by the patient’s deformity and curve classification. We design the brace specifically to each patient’s curve type.
6. Is the RSC brace or Cheneau brace a night time or day time brace? It is both, a full-time brace and usually worn 23 hours/ day (off 1 hour for bathing, changing cloths etc) It could be used as a night time brace only if indicated by your MD, however it is most often used as a full-time brace.
7. Do you need a prescription for scoliosis braces (RSC/Cheneau and other braces)? Yes, a prescription by an MD is required to have a brace fit and delivered to a scoliosis patient.
8. Do insurance companies cover the Cheneau brace and RSC braces? Presently, there is not an insurance approved code specifically for these braces, therefore the claim could be totally denied or only partially reimbursed. The patient could try to get reimbursement from their insurance company subsequently to delivery of the brace, however you would have to call your insurance company and let them determine what the policy states.
9. Is a plaster mold required? A mold is required, however I use an Insignia 3D scanner to obtain the patients exact body shape, to the mm. A patient scan could be completed in most US states, however I must fit and deliver the brace here in San Mateo, CA.
10. Is the scoliosis brace (RSC and Cheneau brace) uncomfortable? Once the patient has completed the 7 day break in period, the brace is normally comfortable for the patient. Most patients do well and tolerant the brace.
11. Are the RSC brace or Cheneau brace heavy? No, they are fabricated in a thin thermoplastic, called polypropylene, which is light weight.
12. Is the brace hard? Yes it is, however the pressure and expansion zones of the brace allow for bony prominences and soft tissues, therefore the patient normally tolerates the brace well.
13. Can you notice the brace under the patient’s clothes? This depends on how tight or loose the patient’s clothes fit. Normally, the brace is unnoticeable from the front view, however it may be noticed in the back view. Some curve types require different expansion areas and locations that could be more noticeable compared with other curve types which may require a less noticeable brace design.
14. How often does the brace need to be adjusted? Some brace adjustments are not uncommon, but are normally worked out and the areas of previous discomfort or rubbing are tolerated by patients. Most adjustments if needed, occur during the first weeks or a month after deliver of the brace.
15. Are follow-up appointment required? Yes, follow-up X-rays and visits are needed to evaluate fit and correction.
16. Is physical therapy recommended with the brace? The Schroth method of therapy is recommended with the RSC and Cheneau braces. The Schroth therapy must be provided by a Schroth certified physical therapist.
17. Why does the RSC and Cheneau braces function well with Schroth Therapy? These braces have very large expansion chambers and windows built into the brace which allows a dynamic correction of the scoliotic deformities, furthermore the therapy teaches the patient how to optimize breathing and body movements to function with these expansion and pressure areas.
18. How long will the RSC and Cheneau braces last prior to needing a new brace? These scoliosis braces normally last 9 to 16 months prior to needing a new one. This depends on how quickly the patient grows, primarily in height, and secondary in weight.
19. Do the Rigo System Cheneau (RSC brace) and Cheneau brace correct scoliosis? There are studies completed that have demonstrated that the Rigo brace and Cheneau brace both improve and stabilize the deformity, Hopt and Heine, Cauzac et al, Weiss, HR., Landauer, F., Rigo, M., Wood, G. and Kotwickit.