Dr. Jacques Cheneau (France) developed his first Cheneau brace in the 1970s. The Cheneau bracing concept uses pressure zones and expansion areas to positively influence the spine in three dimensions. Goals for brace wearers are stabilization, at minimum, but the ultimate goal is some degree of spinal improvement. This is accomplished via in-brace correction.
Chêneau bracing is asymmetric and differs from other types of scoliosis braces in that a well-designed Chêneau style brace will allow for Schroth corrective breathing while the patient wears it. The corrective breathing pattern is strategically created by applying pressure to the convex areas and an opening at the concavities for breathing and expansion. An effective Chêneau brace should focus on three-dimensional correction of the spine in the coronal (frontal), transverse (rotational), and sagittal (side) planes.
Since its initial development, Chêneau bracing has been intertwined with the Schroth concept for scoliosis. Dr. Cheneau visited Katharina Schroth and Christa Lehnert-Schroth, PT at the renowned Asklepios Katharina Schroth Clinic in Germany. He embraced the Schroth breathing concept and figured out a way to incorporate the breathing concept into his brace designs using the augmented Lehnert-Schroth curve-pattern classifications, which, for decades, have been the basis of successful Schroth scoliosis treatment.
Chêneau was the first brace developer to recognize that idiopathic scoliosis of the thoracic spine often involves flatback (thoracic lordosis) and should be treated accordingly (1). This is one aspect of bracing where many scoliosis braces fall short and negatively impact patient outcomes.
Today, there are several Chêneau derivates. Many are independently produced so it’s important to work with a team with a track record of success! Informed consumers should understand that Chêneau bracing is both an art as well as a science. Brace design, the material used in manufacture, and the fitting process matter significantly. There can be substantial differences among Chêneau-style braces. For more on this topic, please refer to our blog: Not all Chêneau braces are created equal. Aside from spinal flexibility and compliance, the correction effect, or in-brace correction as we call it, is an important factor influencing patient outcomes and satisfaction.
At Scoliosis 3DC®, we use Chêneau concept bracing of the highest standard for our patients. Our track record of success reflects our commitment to a patient’s successful bracing experience in terms of fit, comfort, and follow-through.
For more on the history of Schroth and Chêneau bracing, please read Schroth, a Modern Historical Perspective.
Weiss H, Lehnert-Schroth C, Moramarco M, Moramarco K. Schroth Therapy – Advancements in conservative scoliosis treatment. 2015.
