[Comparison of the effects of lordosis on the thoracic spine using the Milwaukee and Gschwend brace in scoliosis and kyphosis].

64 patients in Milwaukee-Brace and 32 patients in Gschwend-Brace have been assessed for creating lordosis of the thoracic spine. In both types of braces induction of lordosis can be observed although there did not seem to exist a directly proportionate relationship towards the period of treatment. The degree of correction in the thoracic spine depends on the kyphosis at the onset of treatment. In marked kyphosis exceeding 60 degrees or corresponding kyphotic components in scoliosis the Milwaukee-Brace is preferred over against the Gschwend-Brace. In a pure kyphosis with minimal scoliotic curve the Gschwend-Brace remains the treatment of choice.