Affiliations: [a] Rehabilitation Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iran | [b] Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shafa Yahyaiian Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iran | [c] Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Abstract: 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.
