Use of modified Boston brace for back injuries in athletes

Abstract

The Boston Brace System was developed to attain functional realignment of the scoliotic spine. This system uses prefabri cated thermoplastic pelvic modules which can be rapidly fitted to an individual patient. These modules are available in 20 sizes and designed with a forward flexion of 30° on the anterior margin and 15° on the posterior surface. The resultant antilor dotic straightening of the lumbar spine is important in correct ing the scoliotic spine and has been found to be therapeutically effective in managing a number of other conditions of the spine, including back injuries in the young athlete. A review of the results of treatment of 31 young athletes for back injuries over the past 3 years with the brace, with an average followup of 15 months, reveals good or excellent results in 28 of the 31, or 90%. Best results were attained in spondy lolysis. Therapy for discogenic back pain with the brace was effective in only 50%. Modifications of initial brace design included changing from a posterior opening to an anterior opening module and from polypropylene to polyethylene brace construction. Most patients have continued full athletic partic ipation while in the brace.