Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TCES) for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: preliminary results.

The authors report on the results of a preliminary study on the treatment of progressive idiopathic scoliosis by electrical surface stimulation. The study, involving 30 spinal curvatures, showed stabilization of the median primary curvature (30 degrees) in the course of treatment, the median duration of which was 12 months. Overall, 73.2% of the curvatures treated, responded favorably (stabilization or regression of the curve); however, 26.8% of the curvatures progressed in spite of the transcutaneous electrical stimulation treatment. The only complication noted was contact eczema in 20% of the cases. The authors feel that surface electrical stimulation treatment can be regarded as an acceptable alternative to a brace in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis, and at this stage it deserves a place in the conservative therapeutic approach to idiopathic scoliosis.

Electric current distribution in tissues upon electrotherapy.

The authors have used computer simulations to study electric current distribution in tissues upon electrotherapy. The results are shown on a computer plot and apply to various types of current. Simulations on a simplified circular structure (as a model of a limb cross section) give a better understanding of the problem and clearly demonstrate the influence of electrode position and geometry. Simulations have established the possibility of directing the current density at particular internal areas. The greatest current density occurs close to the surface of the bone in an area midway between the electrodes, and larger electrodes may make treatment more effective. These conclusions are verified in the more realistic structure of a thigh cross section and extrapolation to a length section is made. Finally, the influence of metallic implants is considered. The conclusions of this work are of great practical interest to electrotherapy, particularly electrode techniques.