The present experiment focused on the topography and X-ray measurements of idiopathic scoliosis subjects before and after treatment with the Chêneau Brace.  The results are based on a sample size of 23 subjects during a four-year period, and thus the following conclusions appeared to be warranted:

1.         The Chêneau brace significantly decreases lateral deviation and rotation in idiopathic scoliosis patients.

2.         The Chêneau brace significantly decreases major and minor Cobb and torsion angles in idiopathic scoliosis patients.

3.         Subjects with greater than 30 degrees Cobb angle and a Risser sign 0 or 1 had significantly less correction compared to those subjects with less than 30 degrees Cobb angle and Risser sign 0 or 1 and those with greater than 30 degrees Cobb angle and Risser sign 3.

4.         The Chêneau brace significantly improved all parameters in idiopathic scoliosis subjects who had previous brace treatment as well as those who had no previous brace treatment.

5.         The Chêneau brace significantly improved idiopathic scoliosis in subjects who presented King type III, IV and V or 3-curve scoliosis patterns compared to King type I and II or 4-curve scoliosis patterns. 

In this study, significant reductions in topography and X-ray values were found in these idiopathic scoliosis subjects, this was due to the superior design and functional characteristics which allowed improved detorsion and sagittal normalisation, which would effect correction of the coronal plane, resulting in some elongation of the spine, without any significant distraction force.

The Chêneau brace has valid principles that facilitate a 3D correction of idiopathic scoliosis, with strong emphasis on the sagittal plane configuration, as well as the treatment of all aspects of the deformity.  The technical difficulties as well as the fitting and rectification time involved in the manufacture of the brace have limited its use to specialised clinics.  However, for optimal three-dimensional treatment, the difficulties are valued.  As the negative sagittal plane effects are often produced by the standard TLSOs, a greater need for the Chêneau brace is required.

Further investigation is then warranted to analyse sagittal plane X-ray values to evaluate the long term effect of the Chêneau brace in hypokyphosis.  Also, ideally the initial correction of scoliosis when wearing the Chêneau brace should be compared to that of the Boston, Milwaukee and Lyon braces using identical experimental techniques.

The standard brace system that treats progressive scoliosis by a “sandwich effect” may obtain modest results in the coronal plane, however, they often neglect the sagittal and transversal planes.  The three-dimensional deformity of scoliosis requires a three-dimensional brace design when considering nonoperative treatment. Therefore, the hypercorrection Chêneau brace system facilitated by the Rigo brace design would play an important roll in this treatment.  It could be seen that daily practice with the Chêneau brace must be performed in conjunction with other effective areas of treatment, such as patient evaluation, curve classification, brace design and fitting, so as to optimise the treatment regime for the patient.