Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine and most often appears in adolescents, although it may occur in infants and children. The most common type is called idiopathic scoliosis. There are two primary types of braces used today to treat idiopathic scoliosis; the Boston Brace and the Providence Brace. The Boston Brace is intended to be used day and night. The Providence Brace is used only at night. Both braces are recognized by the Scoliosis Research Society of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

The Providence Brace

The Providence Brace was developed in Providence at Rhode Island. This is a nocturnal brace and is sometimes used in conjunction with the Boston Brace. This brace is patented and made from measurements taken while lying on a orthometry board that predetermines corrective pad placement.

The Boston Brace

The Boston Brace was developed at Children's Hospital Medical Center in Boston, MA by Marion (Bill) Miller, CO. It was the first patented modular prefabricated bracing system for scoliosis in the world. It is capable of correcting and managing hyper lordosis, kyphosis, lumbar curves, thoracolumbar curves, thoracic curves, and double major curves. Its intended use is both night and day and is sometimes used in conjunction with the Providence Brace.