title: Electrical muscle stimulation in the treatment of progressive adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a literature review.
abstract: Electrical muscle stimulation is quickly becoming accepted as a reasonable alternative to bracing in the treatment of mild to moderate progressive adolescent idiopathic sciolosis. Stimulation is applied nightly during the eight to ten sleeping hours. With success defined as less than or equal to four degrees of progression, between 60 and 84% of curves treated have been halted. Greater success has been noted in the lumbar and thoracolumbar curves and in curves under 40 degrees. In non-compliant patients, approximately 80% of the curves progressed. Controversy concerning minor refinements in treatment application, such as the details of electrode placement and problems of skin rash and sleep loss, have yet to be satisfactorily resolved.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009132:Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors