Immediate In-Brace Correction of Chêneau and Boston Braces in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Retrospective Institutional Audit

Background: Immediate in-brace Cobb angle correction is an early indicator of brace effectiveness in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, data describing the real-world performance of Boston and Chêneau braces in routine clinical practice are limited. Objectives: To audit the immediate in-brace correction achieved with Chêneau and Boston braces in adolescents with AIS and to describe brace application patterns in routine clinical practice. Study Design: Retrospective Institutional Audit. Methods: This retrospective review included adolescents with AIS treated between 2021 and 2023 who had complete prebrace and immediate in-brace radiographs. Brace selection was nonrandomized, resulting in differences in baseline curve severity. Immediate correction was calculated from standardized radiographs. Group comparisons used nonparametric and Chi-square testing. Analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline Cobb angle. Exploratory subgroup analyses were conducted for single- and double-curve patterns. Results: A total of 186 adolescents were included (Boston n = 149; Chêneau n = 37). Baseline Cobb angles were higher in the Chêneau group (41.7° ± 10.2°) than in the Boston group (37.0° ± 9.1°). Unadjusted percent correction did not differ significantly (43.8% vs. 36.1%; P = 0.078). After adjusting for baseline severity, the Chêneau brace achieved greater immediate correction (adjusted mean difference ≈ 4°; P = 0.007). Exploratory analyses indicated greater correction for single curves with the Chêneau brace ( P = 0.047). Conclusions: Both brace designs provided meaningful immediate in-brace correction. After accounting for baseline severity, the Chêneau brace showed a modest statistical advantage, although clinical relevance is uncertain owing to nonrandomized allocation. Immediate in-brace correction is a surrogate marker only; without longitudinal data on curve progression, adherence, and patient-reported outcomes, the translation of this finding to long-term clinical benefit cannot be assumed. Clinical Relevance Statement: Both Boston and Chêneau braces provide effective immediate in-brace correction for AIS in routine practice. While Chêneau braces demonstrate a modest statistical advantage when adjusting for baseline severity, clinicians can expect meaningful, real-world performance from either orthotic design. ( J Prosthet Orthot. 2026;X:XX–XX).