[An experimental study on the correction of scoliotic deformity--an application of the short segmental fixation...

The purpose of this experimental study is to seek a possibility if we could apply a short segmental fixation system for the correction of spinal deformity and keeping the moveability of the spine. We used 40 scoliotic rabbits in the experiment which were made after the Piggot's procedure. Apex of the curvature could be observed around T8 or T9. Ten of 40 rabbits were observed as a control group. On the other hand, the remaining 30 were used for an instrumentation group utilizing the short segmental fixation. Two complexes of T10-T11 and T12-L1 were made by mamillary process fixatives, bilateral small rods, wires and bone cement. The final magnitude of Cobb angle was 46.8 degrees on the average in the control group, and 14.8 degrees in the instrumentation group. In conclusion, short segmental fixation around the caudal area of the apex of the scoliotic curvature plays a major role in the correction of spinal deformity.