Studies on Experimental Scoliosis and Their Treatment

Abstract

Several methods to produce experimental scoliosis such as osteolathyrism, internal wiring to keep scoliotic posture for several weeks, as well as multiple unilateral rib resection have been adopted, and in most cases scoliosis have been occured. In those cases of scoliosis made by rib resection, it was observed that the grade of the curvature ranged from 30° to 95° degree, as Langenskiöld and Michelson had already reported.
A kind of small halo-pelvic distraction apparatus for experimental use was devised for the normal and scoliotic rats. Considerable correction of the spinal derormity has been obtained in those cases that the distraction force had been kept effectively for several weeks. By the force of 100 to 300 percent of body weight given between head and pelvis, it was observed, the rat spinal column had been markedly extended especially in the region of the cervical spine, and sometimes found a epiphyseolysis in thoracic and lumbar vertebra were found. Autopsy of the rat which died in early stage of distraction revealed an haemorrhagic ulcer of the stomach, adrenal hyperaemia and pneumonia. Angiographic and histological finding of the spine and spinal cord was discussed.