The Boston brace in thoracic scoliosis. A preliminary report.

The Boston Brace has been reserved mainly for treating scoliosis curves with an apex below T9 while the Milwaukee superstructure has been recommended as the choice of treatment for higher thoracic curves. This paper is an analysis of the preliminary result of treatment of 300 thoracic curves with an apex of T9 or higher treated with the Boston underarm brace from 1975 through 1979. Preliminary success of Boston Bracing for thoracic curves is dependent upon placement of the thoracic pad adjacent to the ribs at the apex of the convexity and a high axillary crutch on the concave side of the curve. Boston Bracing of thoracic curves appeared initially favorable at apices T9, T8, T7, and possibly T6. Higher thoracic curves are difficult to control, and should be treated with the standard Milwaukee type brace with uprights.