Article
Thoracic Kyphosis Angle in Patients Treated with Brace
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Published: | November 11, 2003 |
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Outline
Text
Flattening of thoracic kyphosis or even thoracic lordosis is the one of typical features of idiopathic scoliosis. Hypokyphosis has been evident in natural history of scoliosis. However it has also been shown in patients treated with braces.
Aim
The aim of the study was evaluation of kyphosis angle measured at levels Th2-Th12 and Th5-Th12 before operative correction with CD method in 135 patients.
Method
Group 57 of patients has been treated with Milwaukee brace in preoperative period. The group of remaining 78 patients were treated exclusively with exercise program.
Results
Cobb angle was on average 59,9 SD 12,5 in whole material. 57 patients treated with braces had the average angle measured between Th2-Th12 of 15 SD 9,2. 78 patients treated with exercise program had the average angle of 16 SD 8,5. The average angle measured between Th5-Th12 was 12 SD 9,9 for patients treated with Milwaukee brace and 12 SD 8,2. There were no significant differences between groups. Degree of hypokyphosis was highest in King type III scoliosis. For this type patients average Th2-Th12 angle was 14,6 SD 7,2, and Th5-Th12- 11,5 SD 8. There were no significant differences between groups treated with or without bracing.
Conclusions
Bracing for idiopathic scoliosis does not have negative impact on thoracic kyphosis. Degree of hypokyphosis is part of natural history of scoliosis and is most significant in true thoracic scoliosis as represented by King type III scoliosis.