Electrical stimulation in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis.

Sixty-two fully compliant patients (with 94 curves) met protocol criteria of 20 degree-39 degree curves, Risser iliac crest signs of 0, 1, or 2, and no prior treatment. Both clinical and roentgenographic examinations were performed before, during, and after treatment. The follow-up periods averaged 2.3 years, with a 3.2-year average follow-up period for patients who completed, rather than failed, Electro Spinal Orthosis (ESO) treatment. Seventy-one percent of the 20 degree-29 degree curves and 66% of the 30 degree-39 degree curves had progressed 5 degrees or more at follow-up evaluation. Fifty percent of the patients had a follow-up curve of at least 40 degrees or were treated by posterior spinal fusion and were considered treatment failures. The curve progression paralleled that found in natural history studies, and the rate of failure exceeded that found in orthotic treatment studies.