The Effects Of Asymmetrical Stress On Spinal Growth And The Mechanism Of Lateral-Pushing Correction Of Scoliosis

Objects: Although the etiology of scoliosis remains unknown, the mechanical factor plays an important role in the development of scoliosis. The asymmetrical stress caused by buckling spine may result in asymmetrical growth of both sides of vertebral cartilage end-plate, which further deteriorate the scoliotic deformity; the correction of asymmetrical stress is very important in the correction of scoliosis. The objects of this study are as below: to determine the stiffness and stress at both sides of the buckling spine, and study the relation between the magnitude of the stress and curve degree, and the effect of lateral-pushing correction on the stress at both sides of the buckling spine; to study if and how the asymmetrical stress would affect the growth at vertebral cartilage end-plate in animal model; and to test the post-operative stiffness of the spine instrumented with the Plate-Rod System for Scoliosis (PRSS) which developed from the lateral-pushing correction mechanism and the holding power of its laminar hook to support its clinical application.Methods: Part I: Twelve porcine spines (12 segments each) were harvested to determine the lateral-bending stiffness of spine on MTX. The...