Boston vs. Providence brace in treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex condition characterized by a lateral curvature and axial rotational deformity of the spine. Though bracing is effective, a need remains to identify the effect brace type has on spine curvature. To examine differences in patient demographics between the Boston and Providence brace, determine the corrective change in Cobb angle and RVAD and investigate the effect of brace type on curvature over time. A retrospective chart review was conducted of 105 patients diagnosed with AIS from 2013-2016 at CHW. Five spinal parameters were measured: Cobb angle, Risser, RVAD, kyphosis and lordosis. Data was collected before bracing, in-brace and at 24 months. A final treatment outcome of either Cobb angle correction (reduction >5°), stabilization (change ±5°) or progression (deterioration >5°) was then evaluated. Providence brace provided significantly greater in-brace thoracolumbar Cobb angle and RVAD reduction in comparison to the Boston brace (Cobb angle -21.9° vs. -12.5°; RVAD: -1.8° vs. 1.62°). Similarly, Providence users had a significantly smaller increase in Cobb angle and RVAD over time (Cobb angle: thoracic 14.2° vs. 15.0°; thoracolumbar 23.6° vs. 26.0°; RVAD: 5.2° vs. 8.5°). Ultimately, no significant difference in final treatment outcome was established between brace groups. Although the Providence brace provides less of an increase in thoracic and thoracolumbar curvatures over time, both braces are an effective treatment and achieve comparable outcomes. Selection of braces may vary with primary curve angle, curve location, patient compliance and quality of life.

User Survey of 3 Ankle Braces in Soccer, Volleyball, and Running: Which Brace Fits Best?

CONTEXT: Recurrence rates for ankle sprains are high. Therefore, preventive measures such as ankle bracing during sports are recommended. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the perceived ease of use, quality, comfort, stability, and hindrance of and the overall satisfaction with 3 contemporary brace types in 3 types of sports. DESIGN: Randomized comparative user survey. SETTING: Recreational sports: soccer, volleyball, and running. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Young adult recreational athletes (29 soccer players, 26 volleyball players, and 31 runners). INTERVENTION(S): Compression brace (CB), lace-up brace (LB), and semirigid brace (SB). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Rating of perceived ease of use, quality, comfort, stability, and hindrance of and overall satisfaction with the brace types during sports on a 5-point Likert scale. The secondary outcome measure was participants' willingness to buy the tested brace. RESULTS: Overall, the 3 brace types received high mean scores for ease of use and quality. Soccer players preferred the CB over both alternatives, considering the higher scores for comfort (CB = 4.0, LB = 3.5, SB = 2.8), hindrance (CB = 3.7, LB = 2.9, SB = 2.8), overall satisfaction (CB = 3.6, LB = 3.0, SB = 2.5), and greatest willingness to buy this brace. Volleyball players preferred the LB over both alternatives, considering the higher scores for stability (LB = 4.2, CB = 3.2, SB = 3.3), overall satisfaction (LB = 3.8, CB = 3.0, SB = 3.0), and greatest willingness to buy this brace. Runners preferred the CB over both alternatives considering the better score for hindrance (CB = 3.6, LB = 2.8, SB = 2.9) and greatest willingness to buy this brace. CONCLUSIONS: All 3 ankle-brace types scored high on perceived ease of use and quality. Regarding the brace types, soccer players, volleyball players, and runners differed in their assessments of subjective evaluation of comfort, stability, hindrance, overall satisfaction, and willingness to buy the brace. Soccer players and runners preferred the CB, whereas volleyball players preferred the LB.

Effect of the WISH-type hip brace on functional mobility in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip: evaluation using the Timed Up & Go Test.

BACKGROUND: The WISH-type S-form brace, is considered to improve hip function and gait in patients presenting with painful hip osteoarthritis (OA). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of the brace on functional mobility. STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional survey. METHODS: The Timed Up & Go Test (TUG) was performed with right and left turns separately in each subject. RESULTS: In the patients with the bilateral hip brace, the average time to complete the TUG (8.3 ± 1.7 seconds) was significantly shorter than in those without the brace (9.4 ± 2.9 seconds). On the other hand, for the patients with unilateral hip OA, the improvement of TUG with the hip brace was significant in turning the unbraced leg inside (7.4 ± 1.1 vs. 7.6 ± 1.2 seconds), while not turning the braced leg inside (7.5 ± 1.1 vs. 7.6 ± 1.2 seconds). Furthermore, significant improvement of TUG was found at three-month follow-up and maintained until the 12-month follow-up assessment. This improvement was independent of the application of the brace at the assessment. CONCLUSIONS: The direct effect of the hip brace may be related to the hip function in the turning phase of TUG. In addition, mechanical improvements due to daily exercise may provide an indirect, but essential, effect of the brace on TUG performance.

The effects of three different types of orthoses on the range of motion of the lumbar spine during 15 activities of daily living.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To quantify which 3 common lumbar orthoses of varying rigidity restrict both full, active range of motion (ROM) and functional ROM required for activities of daily living (ADL). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spinal orthoses are implemented to restrict lumbar motion. Despite widespread prevalence of lumbar bracing, the efficacy of these appliances for immobilizing the spine has not been definitively established. METHODS: The full, active ROM of 10 asymptomatic individuals was quantified using an electrogoniometer that registered maximum rotation in all planes. Subjects subsequently completed 15 simulated ADLs during which time their functional ROM was measured; performed without a brace and while wearing a corset, semirigid lumbosacral orthosis (LSO), and rigid custom-molded LSO. RESULTS: For flexion/extension, the mean percentage decreases (with SDs) in full, active ROM that were recorded with corset, semirigid, and a custom orthosis were 24.1 ± 7.9%, 46.8 ± 7.1%, and 64.7 ± 8%, respectively (P < 0.001 relative to no brace). In the coronal plane, motion was restricted by 33.9 ± 8.8%, 51.9 ± 9.4%, and 49.1 ± 11.8%, respectively (P < 0.001). Finally, rotation was limited by 39.6 ± 8.8%, 59.2 ± 10.2%, and 70.6 ± 5.4%, respectively (P < 0.001). There were no significant discrepancies between the ROM recorded in the semirigid and custom LSOs for the ADLs. Likewise, functional ROM associated with corset and semirigid LSOs were only different for 2 ADLs whereas significant disparities between values with corset and custom LSOs were observed for 4 simulations. CONCLUSION: The full, active ROM allowed by lumbar braces evaluated was greater than employed during ADLs in absence of any brace. The motion decrease beyond actual restriction of the braces suggests they will act primarily as proprioceptive guides to regulate movement.

European braces widely used for conservative scoliosis treatment.

A systematic examination of the braces commonly used in Europe lacks in literature. Therefore the objective of this report is the description of the European braces widely used. The history, design rationale, indications, biomechanics, outcomes and comparison between some braces are reported. Chêneau Brace is used in France and other European Countries. There are two Cheneau derivatives, namely the Rigo System Cheneau Brace used in Spain and the ScoliOlogiC "Chêneau light" used in Germany. The Lyonnaise Brace is used in France and Italy. The Dynamic Derotating Brace DDB is used in Greece. The TriaC brace is applied in the Netherlands. The Sforzesco brace based on the SPoRT concept and the Progressive Action Short Brace PASB are used in Italy. Correction of spinal deformities is achieved in conservative treatment with passive and active brace mechanisms. The mode of operation of modern braces is in accordance with various principles of correction, namely active or passive extension with the aid of a neck ring and correction by lateral pads, lateral pressure according to 3 - point principle, compression, bending the trunk towards the opposite side, active bracing and correction by means of pressure exerted by bands during movement and by means of metallic blades. Recently there has been an effort to expand our insight on the biomechanics, the treatment management principles and the outcome description of the above mentioned braces. The peer review publications on these studies mandate the use of the SOSORT and SRS inclusion and assessment criteria for conservative scoliosis treatment.

Results of SpineCor dynamic bracing for idiopathic scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic bracing is used in conservative treatment of spinal curvatures. Apart from rigid braces, SpineCor dynamic braces with a flexible design have recently become available. The idea behind dynamic bracing is that derotational and correcting forces are transmitted via a system of corrective bands. The essence of this technique is maintenance of spine mobility while effecting a position in which all components of the three-plane deformity are corrected. The aim of this study is to evaluate early outcomes of SpineCor dynamic brace treatment for idiopathic scoliosis according to SRS methodology and criteria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 50 patients who were using SpineCor braces due to idiopathic scoliosis. The indication for bracing was the finding of a >15(5) spinal curvature in skeletally immature patients (Risser grade 0-3). Correction or stabilization of the scoliosis (Cobb angle change of +/- 5 degrees ) were recognised as positive outcomes, while a negative outcome was defined as progression of the curve of more than 5 degrees or to a value necessitating operative treatment. The study group was divided into subgroups at enrollment, according to gender and degree of scoliosis. RESULTS: In the entire study group, correction was demonstrated in 24 patients (48%), stabilization in 14 (28%) and progression in spite of bracing occurred in 7 patients (14%). Five patients in the entire study group (10%) required operative treatment due to rapid curvature progression. CONCLUSIONS: SpineCor bracing led to stabilization of scoliosis in the majority of the patients. Introducing the SpineCor brace in patients with a scoliosis angle over 20 degrees and Risser grade 0-3 very effectively prevented curve progression.

BRACE MAP, a proposal for a new classification of braces.

Braces today are named according to the author's name or town. The existing classification of braces considers only the anatomical spinal section involved (C: cervical; T: thoracic; L: lumbar; S: sacral; Orthosis). The absence of a more detailed classification do not allow to really distinguish between the different braces and to have a common language between the conservative treatment experts. Our aim was to propose and verify a new classification of braces. We developed the classification and applied it to 13 different braces (Boston, Charleston, Cheneau 2000, Lapadula, Lyonese, Maguelone, Milwaukee, PASB, Providence, Sforzesco, Sibilla, SpineCor, Triac). We considered the following items (acronym BRACE MAP): Building, Rigidity, Anatomical classification, Construction of the Envelope, Mechanism of Action, Plane of action. Each item is composed by 2 to 7 classificatory elements defined using one or maximum two letters, so that from the classification it is possible to come back to the brace characteristics. Out of the 13 braces considered, BRACE MAP did not allow to differentiate only two. This first proposal needs to be refined through Consensus and discussions that are already underway in the international Society On Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT); nevertheless, BRACE MAP appears to be useful in distinguishing between the existing braces.

Managing anterior shoulder instability with bracing: an expanded update.

This article provides an updated report on functional bracing for anterior shoulder instability. A classification of shoulder braces is reintroduced into three separate types. Type A braces limit shoulder motion to a "safe zone," whereas types B and C apply indirect and direct stabilizing forces to the joint, respectively. Thirteen of the most widely available braces were surveyed and the parameters of comfort, convenience, construction, cost, potential sport use, and special features were analyzed. Problem areas included poor fit and range of motion restriction. The system of classifying sports based on shoulder demands is reintroduced.

[Modern carbon fibre orthoses in the management of polio patients--a critical evaluation of the functional aspects]. / Moderne Karbonfaser-Orthetik für Polio-Patienten - Kritische Auswertung nach funktionellen Aspekten -

AIM: Evaluation of practicability and functional benefit with modern carbon fibre knee ankle foot orthoses in polio patients. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis, fifty-five (55) polio patients between the ages of 42 and 80 years who had been provided with a carbon fibre orthoses for a minimum of three months, were asked about their acceptance as well as changes in functional capacity and comfort. RESULTS: Clear improvements were shown in walking, sitting and automobile driving as well as comfort and dressing/undressing of the orthoses. Through the use of these new orthoses, the maximum walking distance increased significantly--at least partially due to less weight (40%). 95% of all treated patients were very satisfied or satisfied. CONCLUSION: The use of carbon fibre material in the orthotic treatment of polio patients seems to be supported by the positive results of our study.

American Academy of Pediatrics: Technical report: knee brace use in the young athlete.

This statement is a revision of a previous statement on prophylactic knee bracing and provides information for pediatricians regarding the use of various types of knee braces, indications for the use of knee braces, and the background knowledge necessary to prescribe the use of knee braces for children.

Knee braces: current evidence and clinical recommendations for their use.

Methods of preventing and treating knee injuries have changed with the rapid development and refinement of knee braces. Prophylactic knee braces are designed to protect uninjured knees from valgus stresses that could damage the medial collateral ligaments. However, no conclusive evidence supports their effectiveness, and they are not recommended for regular use. Functional knee braces are intended to stabilize knees during rotational and anteroposterior forces. They offer a useful adjunct to the treatment and rehabilitation of ligamentous knee injuries. Patellofemoral knee braces have been used to treat anterior knee disorders and offer moderate subjective improvement without significant disadvantages. Additional well-designed studies are needed to demonstrate objectively the benefits of all knee braces. Knee braces should be used in conjunction with a rehabilitation program that incorporates strength training, flexibility, activity modification and technique refinement.

Orthotic and bracing principles in neuromuscular foot and ankle problems.

The gait cycle involves a closely linked interplay among the joints of the lower extremity, notably the complex joints of the foot and ankle. The goals of bracing and orthoses in the management of neuromuscular foot and ankle problems are to prevent further deformity, passively correct deformity, and modulate motor tone. Tone-reducing AFO, in effect, improves the position of the lower extremity and facilitates the pathologic gait. The type of deformity present and its natural history by virtue of the pathologic origin must be considered when embarking on a conservative nonoperative course. Associated issues and thought processes are elaborated in the article. The biomaterials of which the orthotic brace is constructed, the design considerations, and expected goals of an orthosis must be appropriate to accommodate the pathomechanical forces encountered in the face of the cutaneous insensitivity. It is evident from the multiple facets of rehabilitative care that a team of professionals, including the orthopedist, physical therapist, and orthotist, along with involved health care workers, must be in communication and agreement to manage the challenges of these patients successfully.

Objective roentgenologic measurements of the influence of ankle braces on pathologic joint mobility. A comparison of 9 braces.

The stabilizing effect of external support (taping and nine different ankle braces) was tested in a total of 220 functionally unstable ankles. A standard surface EMG controlled stress Roentgen test protocol was used, measuring talar tilt (TT) without support and with tape bandage or brace. Different levels of TT restraining by external support could be identified. Tape bandage and two braces had a highly significant influence on the talar tilt. The mean TT without support was decreased by using from 13.4 degrees to 4.9 degrees, by using one brace to 4.8 degrees and by using another brace to 5.9 degrees. These two braces are effective for protection during functional treatment. A classification into three grades of effectiveness is proposed. It is concluded that the stabilizing influence offered by bandages and braces should be measured before using the external support as a treatment device for acute ankle sprain and as a reliable protection against sprain injuries in daily living and sports.

Stable lateral malleolar fractures treated with aircast ankle brace and DonJoy R.O.M.-Walker brace: a prospective randomized study.

Stable lateral malleolar fractures can be treated with dynamic braces and early mobilization. In a randomized clinical trial, 66 patients with supination-eversion stage II fractures were treated with Aircast Air-Stirrup ankle braces or DonJoy R.O.M.-Walker braces. Average bracing time was 5 weeks, and average time until return to work was 6 weeks. At 4 weeks, 70% to 80% of patients were able to walk without pain. Subjective satisfaction with comfort and ease of use was significantly higher with Aircast, although it was high in both groups. Pain relief and an inflammatory score were significantly better in the R.O.M.-Walker group after 4 weeks. Three months after injury, no differences were observed in grade of ambulation, pain, swelling, range of motion, or inflammatory score. Both braces can be recommended.

Medial collateral ligament knee sprains in college football. Effectiveness of preventive braces.

This is the second of 2 articles on a 3-year investigation of medial collateral ligament sprains of the knee to assess the effectiveness of prophylactic knee braces in NCAA Division I college football players. Position, string, type of session, and daily brace wear were recorded. The injury rates for braced and unbraced knees were used to create an incidence density ratio. The data were stratified and simultaneously controlled for position, string, and session and evaluated for their statistical significance. The 987 Big Ten players generated 155,772 knee exposures over the study period (50% braced). Noticeable differences existed in the rates of injury for the braced and unbraced knees in almost every position during practices, depending on player or nonplayer status. When the influential factors of position, string, and session are considered, there is a consistent but not statistically significant tendency for the players wearing preventive knee braces to experience a lower injury rate than for their unbraced counterparts. For starters and substitutes in the line positions, as well as the linebackers and tight ends, there was a consistent trend toward a lower injury rate in both practices and games. The braced players in the skill positions (backs/kickers), at least during games, exhibited a higher injury rate.

Medial collateral ligament knee sprains in college football. Brace wear preferences and injury risk.

In this prospective, multiinstitutional analysis of medial collateral ligament sprains in college football players, we categorized 987 previously uninjured study subjects according to frequency of wearing preventive knee braces, studied the patterns by which 47 of 100 injuries occurred to unbraced knees, and identified several extrinsic, sport-specific risk factors shared for both braced and unbraced knees. The attendance, brace wear choice, position, string, and session of each participant were recorded daily; medial collateral ligament sprains were reported whenever tissue damage was confirmed. Both the likelihood of wearing braces and risk of injury without them was highly dependent on session (games/practices), position group (line, linebacker/tight end, skill), and string group (players/nonplayers). Subjects wearing braces often faced a high injury risk to their unbraced knees, a finding compatible with the opinion that braces were a necessary evil, best worn when concern over danger of injury outweighed desire for speed and agility. It is concluded that to avoid misinterpretations due to the confounding influence of brace wear selection bias, accurate investigation of daily brace wear patterns is required. Then, before considing the impact of preventive knee braces, a repartitioning of the data base is essential to assure that only similar groups will be compared.

The history and classification of knee braces.

There has been a great deal of concern within the orthopedic community regarding the lack of objective data available on the multitude of knee braces flooding the marketplace. This article hopes to fill that void by presenting an overview of the history and classification of knee braces.

The use of knee braces during rehabilitation.

This article has profiled the use of knee braces as an augmentation to the overall rehabilitation program following knee injury. It has also outlined other aspects of rehabilitation, the use of continuous passive motion devices, and other forms of exercises and training that, together with bracing, may enhance patient recovery. Continuous passive motion devices have been used for many different orthopedic problems with good success. Understanding the mechanics of how these devices move the knee and the forces that can be applied to the knee is helpful in deciding on their use after ligamentous reconstructions. Rehabilitation of the knee following surgery requires a good understanding of the effects that each exercise has on the knee and the reconstruction. Gradual progression of exercises to the knee following knee ligament reconstruction will not overstress healing tissues. Many different types of knee braces exist, and careful evaluation of them may enhance patient recovery.

Principles of bracing for the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee.

The preceding discussion has profiled the three different types of knee braces available on today's market. It has attempted to discuss the controversies surrounding these braces and to analyze the scientific data presented to date. Prophylactic braces have been shown to be ineffective in preventing knee injuries in their present-day design. Evidence has also shown that their use may even lead to increased knee injuries. On the other hand, rehabilitative braces do serve a useful purpose in regard to the operative and nonoperative treatment of ligamentous knee injuries. With their use in the application and control of joint motion, they are an important addition to the surgeon's armamentarium. One must keep in mind, however, that these braces provide little static anterior/posterior control and the hinge settings may not actually reflect true joint motion. Functional knee braces may play a role in the treatment of patients with pathologic laxity owing to an injury of the ACL. Combined with an adequate rehabilitation program and activity modification, these braces do limit excessive anterior tibial translation under low-loading conditions. However, under conditions of high loading these braces provide little or no resistance to anterior translation. Therefore, in most sporting activities, their efficacy is questionable. Knee bracing continues to be a complex and controversial topic in the field of orthopaedic surgery. The answers for the design of the "ideal" brace are being continually worked out and the need for more detailed, well-controlled studies continues to be great.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)