Short-term Outcomes of Wood Cheneau Rigo Bracing in the Idiopathic Scoliosis Population

Background: Bracing has been the standard of care for the nonoperative treatment of idiopathic scoliosis for decades. In recent years, the Rigo Cheneau brace and its variations have gained popularity in the United States. One commonly used variation is the Wood Cheneau Rigo (WCR) brace, which was originally created in 1996 and aims to optimize the triplanar alignment of the scoliotic spine. Despite its growing use, peer-reviewed data describing the outcomes of WCR bracing remain limited. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess short-term radiographic and clinical outcomes after 6 months of WCR bracing in subjects with juvenile or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis to justify the need for long-term outcome studies. Methods: Data were collected between June 2021 and February 2024. All subjects in this review were evaluated and fit with a WCR brace by one clinician. X-rays were measured by an external Schroth-trained physical therapist, who was blinded to all nonradiological information. The primary outcome was curve progression (6°+ increase), stabilization (±5°), or regression (6°+ decrease) based on the 6-month out-of-brace X-ray. Angle of trunk rotation measurements served as the clinical outcome measure. Descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square, and analysis of variance tests were used to look for associations between the primary outcome and subject characteristics. Results: Of the 42 subjects (age range: 8–16 years) included in the analysis, 11.9% progressed, 45.2% stabilized, and 42.9% regressed. There was a significant decrease in the magnitude of the largest curve from baseline (32.1° ± 9.3°) to 6 months (27.8° ± 10.0°, P < 0.001) across the cohort. Angle of trunk rotation measurements for the largest curve also reduced from 9.1° ± 4.2° at baseline to 6.5° ± 4.1° at 6 months ( P < 0.001). No significant relationships were found between the primary outcome and subject characteristics, such as age, Risser, largest Cobb angle, in-brace correction, coronal deformity angular ratio, and Rigo Classification. Conclusions: WCR bracing demonstrated favorable short-term radiographic and clinical outcomes in this cohort, providing a foundation for future long-term efficacy studies. Clinical Relevance Statement: Though it is challenging to predict at the onset of treatment, curve correction appears achievable for certain patients with WCR bracing. ( J Prosthet Orthot . 2026;X:XX–XX)