Induction of Scoliosis in the Growing Rabbit by Unilateral Rib-Growth Stimulation

A physiological approach to surgical treatment of progressive early idiopathic scoliosis

“…These changes were ascribed to disturbed sympathetic function. Indeed, in growing rabbits stimulation of the longitudinal rib growth by unilateral resection of intercostal nerves, including the sympathetic fibres, resulted in hyperaemia of the denervated anterior hemithorax [1], increased longitudinal rib growth [2] and scoliosis with the convexity to the opposite side of the denervation and characteristics of IS in humans [3].The inter-related results of these and other clinical and experimental studies have provided evidence supporting the thoracospinal theory of the pathogenesis of IS. According to this new theory, stimulation of longitudinal growth of the left ribs is the origin of right convex IS in adolescent girls [15].…”

“…These changes were ascribed to disturbed sympathetic function. Indeed, in growing rabbits stimulation of the longitudinal rib growth by unilateral resection of intercostal nerves, including the sympathetic fibres, resulted in hyperaemia of the denervated anterior hemithorax [1], increased longitudinal rib growth [2] and scoliosis with the convexity to the opposite side of the denervation and characteristics of IS in humans [3].…”

A biomechanical analysis of the vertebral and rib deformities in structural scoliosis

“…Consequently, it would seem that the intrinsic vertebral and rib deformities develop secondary to scoliosis. Nevertheless, in the literature the intrinsic deformities have also been considered as primary aetiological factors [2,34,48].…”

Hypothesis on the Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Scoliosis

“…Different biomechanical mechanisms are given to explain scoliosis progression during spinal growth (Kamman, 2003;Pincott & Taffs, 1982;van de Plaats, 1997;van de Plaats et al, 2007;Raso, 1998). It has been suggested that asymmetrical growth of the apical vertebral bodies due to chronic axial asymmetrical loading on the physes, according to the Hueter-Volkmann law, may result in scoliosis progression (Agadir et al, 1988;Perdriolle et al, 1993). Stokes et al quantified the relationship between the degree of a symmetrical loading and the degree of asymmetrical growth in a rat-tail model and confirmed that vertebral wedging results from asymmetric growth in the physes (Stokes et al, 1996).…”