OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility of the correction idiopathic-type scoliosis by implanting the staple in growing animal models.

METHODSFourteen female goats were performed unilateral pedicle screws asymmetric tethering in left side in combination with right rib resection (age: 5 to 8 weeks, weight: 6 to 8 kg). The observing time was about 8 weeks. Goats that had been created scoliosis model successfully were classified in 2 groups randomly.

CONTROL GROUPjust removing the posterior tether, no treatment was offered. Correct group: the removing of posterior tether and the stapling of anterior spinal epiphysis were performed simultaneously. Dorsoventral and lateral plain radiographs were taken preoperatively and postoperatively. Serial X-ray postoperatively were performed every 4 weeks to measure the Cobb angle of the spine and to observe the condition of the insert. The observing time is about 8 weeks.

RESULTSRadiography showed that 12 goats had created scoliosis model successfully. CONTROL GROUP (n = 6): Series X-ray show that the change of the Cobb angle was not obviously. The initial curves after the procedures measured an average of 40.8 degrees (28 degrees-56 degrees), the average Cobb angle was 42.5 degrees (30 degrees-58 degrees) after 8 weeks, no statistics difference are found (P > 0.05). Treatment group (n = 6): no complication such as pedicel screw break, instrument loosen, dislocation, injury of blood vessel, nerve injury and organ injury of thoracic cavity etc, were found during the observing period. The initial curves after the procedures measured an average of 44.5 degrees (36 degrees-57 degrees), to some degree, the Cobb angle decreased and the average was 42.5 degrees (30 degrees-58 degrees) after 8 weeks. There are statistics difference between the initial and final curves (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAs a means of mechanical modulation, stapling can be manipulate conveniently and safely, and can modulate the spinal growth of the animal model successfully, predicted that it may be a new selection for idiopathic-type scoliosis in growing children.