Cheneau Brace for Scoliosis
When it comes to spinal braces, Cheneau Braces offers patients the best option for potential scoliosis curve improvement. Cheneau-style braces offers significant advantages over other scoliosis braces, or other 3D braces. Each TLSO is custom-created according to individual curve pattern and fully compatible with the Schroth method, a pattern-specific method of scoliosis management used to improve the spine longitudinally.
When comparing spinal braces, it is important to understand the distinctions that make a brace superior to another.
Chêneau braces are asymmetric and should be designed as a mirror image of the patient’s spine. The goal of this design is to induce spinal correction/overcorrection when in-brace. This translates to excellent in-brace corrections and postural improvement in 3D. Strategically placed voids (openings) at the spinal concavities recreate Schroth corrective breathing which aims to de-rotate the spine. Goals are to reduce rib prominences and spinal asymmetries to improve postural appearance while stabilizing the Cobb angle (or reduce as much as possible). Typically, this is most effective during the growth process.
In terms of comfort and wearability, a well-designed Chêneau Brace offers important advantages. When made from a moldable, lightweight modified polyethylene patients find the material far more forgiving than other rigid scoliosis braces. Clinicians appreciate the malleability allowing for easier adjustments/customization. The light weight material contributes to improved comfort which facilitates compliance. The break-in period is almost immediate. The majority of patients sleep through the night after the initial fitting and find sleeping in it more comfortable than other braces.
With some Chêneau braces, design differences are obvious. Some use less material which can be especially notable in the chest and hip. Some braces are cut under the chest to avoid breast distortion. For adolescent females, this offers a critical advantage during pubertal development. Patients, especially those who have worn other braces, appreciate the open hip which allows for overcorrection and hip mobility. It makes sitting, wearing jeans, and concealability easier. Front closures offer greater independence when it comes to wearing and self-adjustment.
Another distinguishing characteristic from traditional scoliosis braces is that some Chêneau styles are designed to be used for patients with Cobb angles measuring 45º, 50º, 60º and greater. This fills an important void in scoliosis bracing since most spinal surgeons fail to endorse/prescribe bracing for patients in the severe category often indicating that surgery is a patient’s only option. However, many families do not want to subject their children to the risks of scoliosis surgery and prefer to explore other curve management options.
Adults are another market segment who have primarily been abandoned by traditional medical doctors. Adults with scoliosis use the brace part-time at their discretion. Except for scoliosis curve reduction, the brace offers adults the same benefits it does for children – spinal support, the potential for de-rotation, and improved posture.
Chêneau bracing now boasts an impressive track record in Europe, the United States, Canada, Asia, and Australia.
Most Chêneau concept braces are created by independent orthotists creating their own renderings. To be able to offer patients the best scoliosis bracing alternative, scoliosis bracing clinicians must understand the important advantages and re-create a brace that is custom-created for the patient with the optimal level of comfort, correction potential, and the desired cosmetic effect.
Nighttime Scoliosis Bracing
When a patient has a mild scoliosis curve and parents don’t agree with the “wait and see” way of thinking. Braces can be designed as a night-time brace to help alleviate the risk of progression. However, full-time scoliosis bracing is recommended for patients with upper mild, moderate or severe scoliosis.
Kyphosis Brace
Bracing for kyphosis may be an option for patients with thoracic kyphosis, kyphoscoliosis, and Scheuermann’s. The principle behind bracing for kyphosis is to reduce anterior vertebral loading. During adolescence, this allows the spine to grow and improve into a more normal physiologic position.
Adults with kyphosis, kyphoscoliosis and Scheuermann’s also opt for bracing for pain management and spinal support.
