Paraspinal muscle stimulation for the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis in children.

More than 12 years ago, we began to investigate the potential use of electrical stimulation of the paraspinal muscles to control scoliosis in children. Animal experimentation showed that unilateral stimulation of these muscles will cause the spine to grow toward the stimulated side. It was also shown that the stimulation need only be carried on for part of the day. We have developed a treatment for scoliosis based on night-time use of stimulation either with an implantable or surface system. Both single and dual channel systems are available for the treatment of single or double scoliotic curves. Treatment is carried on at night while the child is asleep, and there are no exercises or brace programs associated with it. Approximately 75% of the curves are either improved significantly, or maintained at their starting value. Only about 15% of the curves fail to respond and require a spinal fusion to stabilize them. Patient acceptance and compliance has been excellent.