Experimental scoliosis by epiphysiodesis in pigs.

Abstract

Using two-month-old pigs selective epiphysiodesis of the neurocentral cartilage was performed using cancellous screws inserted to achieve effective compression. The operation was performed on eight experimental animals, on the right side, involving four or five vertebrae at the mid thoracic level. The procedure consistently caused structural scoliosis, convex on the side of operation. The radiographic, macroscopic and microscopic findings in the experimental animals are described. In other animals so treated at ages when the neurocentral cartilage is not active rotational deformity did not occur.