Orthotic treatment of idiopathic hyperkyphosis with Milwaukee brace.

BACKGROUND: Hyperkyphosis with unknown reason is common in teenagers and can be corrected by orthotic management.

OBJECTIVES: Investigation of orthotic outcomes by Milwaukee brace.

METHODS: Sixty-one patients with idiopathic hyperkyphosis (> 45 degrees) were given Milwaukee brace before skeletal maturity. Hyperkyphosis was measured during the first visit without brace, in-brace, at the end of full-time and part time duration of treatment. After treatment completion, participants were categorized in two groups: with hyperkyphosis of 45 degrees and less (Group I) and more than 45 degrees (Group II). These groups were compared to interpret the treatment outcomes.

RESULTS: The mean kyphotic curve was 60.1 (SD ± 7.7) and 71 (SD = 10.1) degrees in Group I and II, respectively. The mean kyphotic curve at the time of full time and part time duration of treatment showed no significant difference in patients successfully completed the treatment (P = 0.10) while there was a significant difference between mean kyphotic curve in full time and part time treatment duration for patients with hyperkyphosis of more than 45 degrees (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Hyperkyphosis of less than 70 degrees can be treated if the in-brace correction is saved in part-time duration.