Neuropathy in thoracic scoliosis

The erector spinae muscles of 20 normal humans were evaluated at C7, T3, T11, and L5 vertebral body levels bilaterally. At each level, the mean potential duration of the motor unit action potential was calculated. This control group was compared with a group of patients with C7 and L5 radiculopathy and with a group of patients with thoracic scoliosis. The mean potential durations of the radiculopathy group at the C7 and L5 levels were prolonged as were those values at the convex thoracic levels in the scoliotic group. Muscle biopsy of the erector spinae in the scoliotic group revealed grouped atrophy and changes consistent with a neuropathic process. A radiculopathic process was associated with idiopathic thoracic scoliosis and involved the convex side. It was maximal near the apex of the curve.