In orthopedics, scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. Although it usually does not cause pain, scoliosis or its orthopedic treatment can sometimes affect the self esteem of the child who has the defect. A normal spine when viewed from the side, takes the form of an elongated S, the upper back bowing outward and the lower back curving slightly inward. When viewed from behind, the spine should appear as a straight line from the base of the neck to the tailbone. If an individual has a scoliosis, the view from behind may reveal one or more abnormal curves. Most cases of scoliosis do not get worse, and periodic orthopedic checkups may be all that is needed to correct the orthopedic deformity. Children with a more severe curve that continues to increase, however, may require an orthopedic instrument called an orthopedic brace or even surgery.
Orthopedic braces are used to prevent further spinal deformity especially in children with curve magnitudes within the range of 25 to 40 degrees. If these children already have curvatures of these magnitudes and still have a substantial amount of skeletal growth left, then orthopedic bracing is a viable option. It is important to note, however, that the intent of orthopedic bracing is to prevent further deformity. The orthopedic brace does not correct the existing curvature or to make the curve disappear.

There are several different types of orthopedic braces used by adolescents with scoliosis. The Milwaukee Brace is an orthopedic brace that is quite common. This orthopedic brace is used particularly for high thoracic curves. The orthopedic brace extends from the neck to the pelvis and consists of a plastic pelvic girdle and a neck ring connected by metal bars in the front and the back of the orthopedic brace. Pressure pads of the orthopedic brace push against the curve to prevent further deformity. The metal bars of the orthopedic brace help extend the length of the torso, and the neck ring of the orthopedic brace keeps the head centered over the pelvis.

The Milwaukee brace has been used effectively for years to treat abnormal curvature of the spine. This significant orthopedic tool have a few variations but the most common type of orthopedic brace starts at the hips with a molded pelvic girdle either made of leather or plastic. The orthopedic brace has two posterior metal bars that are attached to the back of the pelvic girdle and one anterior bar in front. The metal bars of this orthopedic brace run up the entire length of the spine and connect into a neck ring which completely encircles the neck and has a small plastic throat mold in front and two small head pieces in back where the occipital portion of the skull rests.

It is prescribed that the orthopedic Milwaukee brace be worn 23 hours a day from the age of about 12 to 21 years old to have their intended orthopedic effect, which is to keep a curve from worsening. The orthopedic brace can be custom made or can be made from a pre fabricated mold. All orthopedic braces must be selected for the specific curve problem and fitted to each patient. The orthopedic brace consists of a plaster or molded pelvic girdle attached to metal rods extending up to the shoulders. The orthopedic brace is then attached to what it is described as a metal structure with a chin support and a support to the back of the head. The orthopedic brace would be then extended pushing both the head and the pelvis apart straightening the spine. The orthopedic brace also comes with pressure pads that would be fitted to pull the spine to the correct position.