A high incidence of spinal curvature, approaching 80 per cent in
patients more than twelve years old, was found in a large series of
patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. Curves showed early progression and
a predictable pattern. In the age range between one and five years the
incidence of scoliosis was 26 per cent; thereafter, it rose precipitously.
The degree of curvature was greater in the older children. The Milwaukee
brace was ineffective in the treatment of the scoliosis and the
complications of its use were detrimental. In several patients it deformed
the rib cage. It had little or no effect on the progression of the curve.
The incidence and degree of curvature was related to the type of bone
present. Patients with chest deformities and those who were not ambulatory
seemed to have a predilection for scoliosis.