STUDY DESIGN: An IACUC-approved study to create a scoliotic deformity representative of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to develop a reliable porcine scoliosis model and to evaluate the three-dimensional progression of the deformity. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Optimal development of nonfusion techniques for treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis requires a reliable large animal model that achieves a progressive three-dimensional (frontal, sagittal, axial) deformity. Limitations in previous work have led our team to the development of a porcine model. METHODS: This IACUC-approved study included 18 Yorkshire pigs, obtained at 11 weeks old. Scoliosis was induced through unilateral posterior ligament tethering of the spine via pedicle screw fixation, and ipsilateral ribcage tethering. Progressive deformity was documented with biweekly radiographs. Frontal, sagittal, and axial modifications were assessed using the Cobb method. Animals were observed until severe deformity (>50 degrees) developed, then killed. RESULTS: Animals were observed for a mean 11 weeks. The mean coronal Cobb angle was 25 degrees immediately postoperatively and 55 degrees at 11 weeks. The mean lordosis increased from 4 degrees postoperative to 24 degrees at final follow-up. Apical axial rotation (posterior elements into concavity) increased from 4% postoperative to 27% at 11 weeks. Rate of coronal curve progression was significantly correlated with the initial Cobb index. CONCLUSION: This study establishes a porcine scoliosis model. With placement of a unilateral ligamentous spinal tether combined with concave ribcage ligament tethering a three-dimensional (frontal, sagittal, and axial) spinal deformity can be obtained. The speed of the progressive deformity leaves significant remaining skeletal growth to assess growth modulating therapies for correction. This work forms the basis for a number of investigative efforts at developing new fusionless therapies for patients suffering from adolescent scoliosis.
STUDY DESIGN: An IACUC-approved study to create a scoliotic deformity representative of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to develop a reliable porcine scoliosis model and to evaluate the three-dimensional progression of the deformity. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Optimal development of nonfusion techniques for treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis requires a reliable large animal model that achieves a progressive three-dimensional (frontal, sagittal, axial) deformity. Limitations in previous work have led our team to the development of a porcine model. METHODS: This IACUC-approved study included 18 Yorkshire pigs, obtained at 11 weeks old. Scoliosis was induced through unilateral posterior ligament tethering of the spine via pedicle screw fixation, and ipsilateral ribcage tethering. Progressive deformity was documented with biweekly radiographs. Frontal, sagittal, and axial modifications were assessed using the Cobb method. Animals were observed until severe deformity (>50 degrees) developed, then killed. RESULTS: Animals were observed for a mean 11 weeks. The mean coronal Cobb angle was 25 degrees immediately postoperatively and 55 degrees at 11 weeks. The mean lordosis increased from 4 degrees postoperative to 24 degrees at final follow-up. Apical axial rotation (posterior elements into concavity) increased from 4% postoperative to 27% at 11 weeks. Rate of coronal curve progression was significantly correlated with the initial Cobb index. CONCLUSION: This study establishes a porcine scoliosis model. With placement of a unilateral ligamentous spinal tether combined with concave ribcage ligament tethering a three-dimensional (frontal, sagittal, and axial) spinal deformity can be obtained. The speed of the progressive deformity leaves significant remaining skeletal growth to assess growth modulating therapies for correction. This work forms the basis for a number of investigative efforts at developing new fusionless therapies for patients suffering from adolescent scoliosis.
Authors: John G Burke; Enzo Vettorato; Gudrun Schöffmann; R Eddie Clutton; Tim S Drew; J N Alastair Gibson Journal: Eur Spine J Date: 2014-10-16 Impact factor: 3.134
Authors: Joseph H Carreau; Christine L Farnsworth; Diana A Glaser; Joshua D Doan; Tracey Bastrom; Nathan Bryan; Peter O Newton Journal: J Child Orthop Date: 2012-06-30 Impact factor: 1.548
Authors: Gene Chi Wai Man; Man Gene Chi Wai; William Wei Jun Wang; Wang William Wei Jun; Annie Po Yee Yim; Yim Annie Po Yee; Jack Ho Wong; Wong Jack Ho; Tzi Bun Ng; Ng Tzi Bun; Tsz Ping Lam; Lam Tsz Ping; Simon Kwong Man Lee; Lee Simon Kwong Man; Bobby Kin Wah Ng; Ng Bobby Kin Wah; Chi Chiu Wang; Wang Chi Chiu; Yong Qiu; Qiu Yong; Chun Yiu Cheng; Cheng Jack Chun Yiu Journal: Int J Mol Sci Date: 2014-09-18 Impact factor: 5.923
Authors: Sophie Le Cann; Thibaut Cachon; Eric Viguier; Lotfi Miladi; Thierry Odent; Jean-Marie Rossi; Patrick Chabrand Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-10-09 Impact factor: 3.240