Large animal models in fusionless scoliosis correction research: a literature review

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

“…The increasing interest in non‐fusion surgical treatments has introduced new techniques for the induction of experimental scoliosis in different animal models . Schwab et al recently described an experimental porcine scoliosis model to induce progressive 3D spinal deformities using a unilateral spinal flexible tether attached to pedicle screws combined with ipsilateral rib cage tethering.…”

“…It is well known that most of the experimental methods for induction of scoliosis fail in create rotational deformities. In some animal models, certain degree of rotation is generated at the expense of inflicting extensive damage to the musculoskeletal structures . In human clinics, idiopathic scoliosis can be considered to emerge from a disorder of the rotational equilibrium of the spine without an initial severe skeletal disturbance.…”

“…First, the small sample size. This a common limitation of all the studies using big animals as the current porcine model . However, it was presumed that the induction rate of scoliosis in this animal model would be maintained when using a larger sample size.…”

“…The wide variety of procedures and species used, together with the varying success rates for a particular procedure when used in different species, makes it difficult to determine its relevance for the clarification of the pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis in humans. Most of this research was performed on small animals (chicken, rabbit, rat, and mouse), but even in bigger animals (goat, cow, and pigs) the scoliotic curves obtained are still far from the progressive adolescent idiopathic scoliosis seen in humans …”

Spine surgery and clinical research in Italy

“…The concept of research in the spine field is broad and the last decade has been testimony to worldwide significant efforts [1,2] both in basic [3][4][5] and in clinical research activities [6][7][8][9], aimed at ultimately improving patients' care. Indeed, either basic or clinical research has been fostered with the aim to arrive at clinically useful conclusions.…”