Object: The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate progressive correction of coronal and sagittal alignment and pelvic parameters in patients treated with a Chêneau brace.
Methods: Thirty-two patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) were assessed before initiation of bracing treatment and at the final follow-up. Each patient underwent radiological examinations, and coronal, sagittal, and pelvic parameters were measured.
Results: No statistically significant modification of the Cobb angle was noted. The pelvic incidence remained unchanged in 59% of the cases and increased in 28% of the cases. The sacral slope decreased in 34% of the cases but remained unchanged in 50%. Thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis were significantly decreased, whereas the sagittal vertical axis was significantly increased from a mean of -44.0 to -30.2 mm (p = 0.02). The mean pelvic tilt increased significantly from 4.5° to 8.3° (p = 0.002).
Conclusions: The Chêneau brace can be useful for preventing curvature progression in patients with AIS. However, the results of this study reveal high variability in the effect of brace treatment on sagittal and pelvic alignment. Treatment with the Chêneau brace may also influence sagittal global balance.
Keywords: AIS = adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; Chêneau brace; LL = lumbar lordosis; PI = pelvic incidence; PT = pelvic tilt; SS = sacral slope; SVA = sagittal vertical axis; TK = thoracic kyphosis; adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; deformity; progressive correction; sagittal alignment.