Boston Brace

Between 1983 and 1990, 136 patients with idiopathic scoliosis were treated with Boston braces. Approximately 3 years after the end of treatment, the patients were asked how many hours a day they had used the brace. Daily brace wear fell from 20.4 to 13.8 h during the bracing period. On the basis of their answers, the patients were divided into two groups: full-time and part-time users. Our results indicate either that part-time bracing is as effective as full-time bracing or that Boston bracing does not alter the natural course of a scoliotic curve.