Biomechanical study of the development of scoliosis, using a thoracolumbar spine model.

A thoracolumbar spine model was made using synthetic resin vertebrae and silicon discs. The model was fixed to a metal frame and spinal deformation caused by loading was determined relative to three-dimensional coordinates set in the frame. A three-dimensional evaluation of the development of spinal deformity was performed by applying rotational, lordotic, and lateral flexional forces in various orders to the model. The most severe scoliosis occurred when loading was done in the order of rotational force, lordotic force, and lateral flexional force.