External Fixation in Experimental Scoliosis

• Published in: Orthopedics & Traumatology Vol. 45; no. 4; pp. 1204 - 1209
• Main Authors: Abe, Jun, Nagata, Kensei, Ohashi, Teruaki, Morita, Masakazu, Ishibashi, Kazumasa, Sato, Kimiaki, Hirohashi, Teruyuki, Inoue, Akio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: West-Japanese Society of Orthopedics & Traumatology 1996
• Subjects: experimental study; external spinal fixation; percutaneous discectomy; scoliosis
• ISSN: 0037-1033; 1349-4333
• DOI: 10.5035/nishiseisai.45.1204

The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of spinal external fixation in scoliosis. Four ribs on the right side of growing rabbits were partially resected. Four to 6 weeks later, moderate right-convex thoracic scoliosis had developed. Then, in Group I, an Orthofix mini-model or fixano fixator was attached by Kischner wires to T9/10 and to L1/2. In Group II, percutaneous discectomy (PD) was performed at T12/L1 followed by external fixation. In both groups, the mean initial correction was 11 degrees (44%). The initial effect of spinal external fixation for scoliosis was due to correction in the axial rotation at the apical vertebra rather than to the traction force. The fixators were removed after 17 weeks of age. In Group I, relatively good prevention of progression was seen compared to controls. However, moderate or severe progression in scoliosis was seen after removal of the fixator, due to theloss of correction at T12/L1 in some cases. In Group II, severe progression inscoliosis was not seen after removal of the fixator, due to ankylosis at T12/L1.