[Determination of minerals and trace elements in idiopathic scoliosis]

In a preliminary study the spinal processes of the curve and the parietal bone in idiopathic scoliosis were analyzed in 10 patients by atom absorption spectrophotometry during dorsal fusion operations using the Harrington instrumentarium. In addition to calcium and magnesium, the trace elements iron, copper, manganese and zinc were determined. For comparison, bone samples were taken from the pelvic ridges of the patients, as well as control biopsies from the pelvic ridges of 21 healthy patients in the clinic who were of the same age. The bone samples had been taken from the latter during surgery for pseudarthrosis. The statistical analysis of the mineral and trace elements showed that there is no local disturbance of mineral and trace element metabolism in idiopathic scoliosis; a comparison of the bone samples from the scoliosis patients with the normal values also largely ruled out a generalized disturbance of mineral and trace element metabolism in bone tissue in idiopathic scoliosis.