X-ray fluorescence analysis of muscles in scoliosis.

X-ray fluorescence spectrometry was used to determine calcium, copper, and zinc concentrations in paraspinal and gluteal muscles obtained during spinal surgery from patients with scoliosis. Samples of 1-3 mg were sufficient to demonstrate that calcium was higher in idiopathic than in other forms of scoliosis or in normal control muscles. It is suggested that a calcium-related neuromuscular defect could be an important factor in the genesis of idiopathic scoliosis.