EFFECTS OF UNILATERAL LIGAMENTOPLASTY ON SPINAL-DEVELOPMENT IN THE GROWING RABBIT

Numerous models of scoliosis have been proposed, but few were characte rized geometrically, easily reproductible and avalaible for testing or thopaedic procedures. Sixteen growing rabbits underwent unilateral lig amentoplasty of three lumbar vertebrae using screws in the vertebral b ody. Spinal modifications were evaluated at six and 12 weeks post-oper atively by radiography, scannography and histology. The mean lateral d eviation was found to be 21 degrees +/- 3.1 at six weeks and 41.6 +/- 6.6 at 12 weeks. Significant lordosis, cyphosis or vertebral rotation were not observed. Vertebral torsion was significative (p <0.005). His tological assessments of the modifications of paraspinal muscles, inte rvertebral discs and articular facets were performed for evaluation of consequences of surgery, spinal immobilization and deviation. We conc luded that unilateral ligamentoplasty produce a reproductible model of lateral deviation of the spine in the growing rabbit.