Neuropathy in thoracic scoliosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Orthopedics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• The erector spinae muscles are crucial for spinal support and posture.
• Understanding the electrophysiological properties of these muscles can aid in diagnosing spinal pathologies.
• Previous research has explored muscle changes in scoliosis but detailed electrophysiological analysis is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the electrophysiological characteristics of erector spinae muscles in individuals with thoracic scoliosis and lumbar radiculopathy.
• To compare motor unit action potential duration in healthy controls versus patient groups.
• To explore the relationship between radiculopathy and idiopathic thoracic scoliosis.

Main Methods:

• Electromyography (EMG) was used to measure motor unit action potential duration in the erector spinae muscles at multiple vertebral levels (C7, T3, T11, L5).
• A control group of 20 healthy individuals was compared with patients diagnosed with C7/L5 radiculopathy and thoracic scoliosis.
• Muscle biopsies were performed on the erector spinae in the scoliotic group to assess histological changes.

Main Results:

• Patients with C7 and L5 radiculopathy showed prolonged mean potential durations at the affected levels.
• Individuals with thoracic scoliosis exhibited prolonged potential durations at the convex thoracic levels.
• Muscle biopsies from the scoliotic group revealed grouped atrophy and neuropathic changes.
• The neuropathic process was predominantly on the convex side of the thoracic curve, maximal near the apex.

Conclusions:

• A radiculopathic process is associated with idiopathic thoracic scoliosis, affecting the convex side.
• Prolonged motor unit action potential duration in erector spinae muscles can serve as an indicator of radiculopathy in spinal deformities.
• These findings highlight the link between nerve root compression and muscle changes in scoliosis.