Creation of an Experimental Idiopathic-Type Scoliosis in an Immature Goat Model Using a Flexible Posterior Asymmetric Tether

Abstract

Longitudinal follow-up of animals after a surgically initiated scoliosis. To create a progressive, structural, idiopathic-type, lordoscoliotic curve convex to the right in the thoracic spine of the immature goat using a flexible posterior asymmetric tether with minimal disruption of the spinal elements along the curve. Our previous work created an experimental scoliosis model using a rigid posterior asymmetric tether to study the safety and efficacy of fusionless scoliosis treatments. Posterior asymmetric tethers, whether rigid or flexible, represent the most reliable method of creating an experimental deformity that approximates idiopathic scoliosis. Although our initial rigid model was unique in creating progressive structural scolioses without violation of the essential spinal elements along the curve, there were a number of shortcomings associated with the model. These included substantially stiff curves and unpredictability of curve progression. Scoliosis was created in 24 Spanish Cross X female goats (age, 6-8 weeks; weight, 8-12 kg) using a braided synthetic ligament as a left posterior asymmetric tether from T5 to L1. Convex rib resection and concave rib tethering from ribs 8 to 13 were performed without disruption of the spinal elements before tensioning of the posterior tether. All goats were followed over an 8-week period with serial radiographs to document progression of the deformity. At the end of 8 weeks, the 20 goats with progressive curves were randomized into treatment groups for a separate study. However, 6 of these 20 remained untreated in the subsequent study and, therefore, were followed for an additional 12 to 16 weeks. There were two deaths in the early postoperative period due to pulmonary complications. Of the remaining 22 goats, 20 (91%) developed progressive, structural, idiopathic-type, lordoscoliotic curves convex to the right in the thoracic spine. Initial scoliosis after tethering measured 55.4 degrees on average (range, 37 degrees-75 degrees) and progressed to 74.4 degrees on average (range, 42 degrees-93 degrees) over 8 weeks. The average progression of 19.0 degrees (range, 5 degrees-33 degrees) was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The average initial lordosis after tethering measured -18.9 degrees (range, -13 degrees to -27 degrees) and progressed to -40.7 degrees on average (range, -28 degrees to -56 degrees) over 8 weeks. The average progression in lordosis of -21.8 degrees (range, -5 degrees to -43 degrees) was significant (P < 0.001). This study demonstrated the effectiveness of a flexible posterior asymmetric tether in creating idiopathic-type deformities in a shorter tethering period than previously described. With substantial remaining spinal growth after the 8-week tethering period and preservation of the essential spinal elements in an undisturbed state, this model is suitable for the study of scoliosis progression and various fusionless scoliosis treatment methods.