Scoliosis induced by costotransversectomy in minipigs model.

Aim To validate surgical costotransversectomy as a technique for creating a scoliosis model in minipigs and to assess whether differences in approach (posterior medial approach, posterior paramedial approach and anterior approach by video-assisted thoracoscopy) lead to differences in the production of spinal deformity. Creation of disease models in experimental animals, specifically in minipigs, is controversial, as no appropriate technique has been reported. Methods Surgical costotransversectomy was performed in 11 minipigs using 3 different approaches: posterior medial approach (4 animals, group I), posterior paramedial approach (3 animals, group II) and anterior approach by videothoracoscopy (4 animals, group III).

Aortic abutment after direct vertebral rotation: plowing of pedicle screws.

Study Design: Retrospective case series.

Objective: To report the occurrence of pedicle screw plow after individual-level direct vertebral rotation (DVR) that resulted in critical screw proximity to the aorta, from three institutions over a four-year period (2004-2008).

Summary Of Background Data: Thoracic pedicle screws are generally accepted as safe implants that possess sufficient strength to correct the coronal, sagittal, and now transverse plane deformities associated with scoliosis.

Vertebral coplanar alignment: a standardized technique for three dimensional correction in scoliosis surgery: technical description and preliminary results in Lenke type 1 curves.

Study Design: Prospective multicentric study.

Objective: To present the preliminary results of an innovative method for standardized correction of scoliosis, vertebral coplanar alignment (VCA), based on a novel concept: the relocation of vertebral axis in a single plane.

Summary Of Background Data: Normal standing spine has no rotation in coronal or transverse planes, therefore X and Z axis of vertebrae are in the same plane: they are coplanar.