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Creation of an ovine model of progressive structural lordo-scoliosis using a unilateral laminar tether.

Authors :
Burke JG
Vettorato E
Schöffmann G
Clutton RE
Drew TS
Gibson JN
Source :
European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society [Eur Spine J] 2015 Jul; Vol. 24 (7), pp. 1382-90. Date of Electronic Publication: 2014 Oct 16.
Publication Year :
2015

Abstract

Purpose: To characterise changes in vertebral dimension in an ovine model of scoliosis and determine whether a reproducible curvature could be created that would be suitable for future testing of curve modifying surgical implants.<br />Methods: At a mean age of 5 weeks, 28 Scottish blackface sheep were anaesthetised. A 4 mm braided synthetic tape was laid under the left lamina of T5 and L1 and tightened to 'hand' tension. A scoliosis was then created by binding the six lowest ribs on the same side just distal to their rib angles and resecting a segment from each of the opposite ribs. Radiographs were taken at 4 weekly intervals, and CT images at 2, 5 and 7 months post tethering, to determine multi-planar curve progression. 20 animals were assessed at age 3 months, 12 at 41 weeks and 10 at 1 year with comparisons to five control animals.<br />Results: A significant bi-planar deformity was produced in all animals (scoliosis 32 ± 13º and lordosis 53 ± 21º 2 months post tethering; mean ± SD, n = 22). During the next 5 months the scoliosis decreased slightly (p = 0.08) but the sagittal deformity remained static: 21 ± 18° and 53 ± 19°, respectively (n = 12). The values at 7 months were associated with a mean 6 ± 4º rotational deformity. There was approximately twice as much growth in the right anterior aspects of the apical vertebrae as in the left posterior.<br />Conclusions: With appropriate care it was possible to obtain a reproducible curvature in immature sheep. The methods described are suitable for use in studies of growth modulation and other spinal devices.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1432-0932
Volume :
24
Issue :
7
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
25319145
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-014-3609-z