the results of orthotic treatment in patients with hyperkyphosis using milwaukee brace

Background: nonsurgical treatment of hyperkyphosis can be very challenging. limited information is available on the outcomes of treating this condition, especially postural hyperkyphosis with the milwaukee brace. objectives: the present study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of treating hyperkyphosis (postural and scheuermann disease) with the milwaukee brace.methods: this study involved 54 patients, including 16 with scheuermann disease, with an average age of 12.6±2 years. their thoracic kyphosis (tk) and lumbar lordosis (ll) angles were measured before and after treatment using long-spine radiographs. patients were divided into two groups: group i had angles less than 70 degrees, while group ii had angles greater than 70 degrees. the results of both groups were compared.results: the tk angle significantly decreased from an average of 63.4±8.5 degrees to 42.7±13.4 degrees, while the ll angle decreased from 51.9±7.7 degrees to 49.4±5.5 degrees (p<0.001). three patients required fusion surgery due to the ineffectiveness of orthotic treatment. in groups i and ii, the mean corrections in tk angle were 22.6±7.9 degrees and 14.8±11 degrees, respectively. the difference between these two groups was statistically significant (p=0.016). the corresponding values for ll were 2.2±5.4 degrees and 3.6±3.6 degrees (p=0.895). there was no significant correlation between changes in tk and ll angles and the patients’ age.conclusion: the use of the milwaukee brace for orthotic treatment can lead to a significant reduction in tk (either postural or scheuermann disease). patients with a kyphosis angle of less than 70 degrees show significantly better outcomes from this treatment compared to those with a kyphosis angle greater than 70 degrees.