Novel porcine experimental model of severe progressive thoracic scoliosis with compensatory curves induced by interpedicular bent rigid temporary tethering

ABSTRACT Using flexible tethering techniques, porcine models of experimental scoliosis have shown scoliotic curves with vertebral wedging but very limited axial rotation. The aim of this experimental work was to induce a severe progressive scoliosis in a growing porcine model for research purposes. A unilateral spinal bent rigid tether was anchored to two ipsilateral pedicle screws in eight pigs. The spinal tether was removed after 8 weeks. Ten weeks later, the animals were sacrificed. Conventional radiographs and 3D CT‐scans were taken to evaluate changes in the alignment of the thoracic spine. After the first 8 weeks of rigid tethering, all animals developed scoliotic curves (mean Cobb angle: 24.3°). Once the interpedicular tether was removed, the scoliotic curves progressed in all animals during 10 weeks reaching a mean Cobb angle of 49.9°. The sagittal alignment of the thoracic spine showed loss of physiologic kyphosis (Mean: −18.3°). Axial rotation ranged from 10° to 49° (Mean 25.7°). Release of the spinal tether results in progression of the deformity with the development of proximal and distal compensatory curves. In conclusion, temporary interpedicular tethering at the thoracic spine induces severe scoliotic curves in pigs, with significant wedging and rotation of the vertebral bodies, and true compensatory curves. Clinical Relevance: The tether release model will be used to evaluate corrective non‐fusion technologies in future investigations. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:174–182, 2018. A new experimental model of severe progressive scoliosis was developed in growing pigs by unilateral spinal bent rigid tethering anchored to two ipsilateral pedicle screws. After 8 weeks of rigid tethering, all animals developed scoliotic curves (mean Cobb angle: 24.3º). Release of the spinal tether results in progression of the deformity during 10 weeks more reaching a mean Cobb angle of 49.9º. Significant wedging and rotation of the vertebral bodies, and true compensatory curves resembling human idiopathic scoliosis were found.