Platelet pathology in minimal curve idiopathic scoliosis: an attempt to predict curve progression.

Platelets from adolescents with minimal curve scoliosis (mcs) (7-18 degrees) and healthy control subjects were examined for morphometry under the electron microscope and tested for calcium content and surface negative charge. These parameters have previously been found to be abnormal in severe idiopathic scoliosis (is) patients. Significantly more patients than control subjects showed deviations from normal in all tests. Two tests in particular, the average number of dense bodies per cell and an increased surface negative charge, were the most frequent abnormalities. In an attempt to assess the possibility of using platelet tests for prediction of curve progression, statistical comparisons were made and discriminant scores were generated for each patient. The results were compared with the clinical findings after a 2- to 3.5-year follow-up. The predictions proved to be incorrect although each of the five patients who had curve progression had some platelet abnormality. It is concluded that although platelet pathology does occur in early idiopathic scoliosis, it cannot be used as a prognostic indicator of curve progression.