Induction of scoliosis in the growing rabbit by unilateral rib-growth stimulation

Growing rabbits were subjected to surgical resection of the intercostal nerves on the right side, posteriorly or anteriorly. Two other groups of animals were used as sham and as normal controls. Six months after the nerve resection, there was no electromyographic evidence of denervation of the involved muscles. Radiologic examinations revealed progressive development of a curve, convex to the left, in each animal of the two resection groups. Analysis of structural changes by computed tomography showed rotation of the apical vertebra about the longitudinal axis. Rib cage deformity was diagnosed in 82% of the rabbits. The experimental model developed for induction of scoliosis is simple. The surgical procedure involves just one selected and easily recognized anatomic structure, leaving the vertebral structures and their vicinity intact. Reliable analysis of the underlying mechanism of the developing scoliosis is thereby assured.