Experimental Scoliosis in an Immature Goat Model: A Method That Creates Idiopathic-Type Deformity With Minimal Violation of the Spinal Elements Along the Curve

Abstract

This study establishes an experimental model for scoliosis that creates progressive, structural, idiopathic-type, lordoscoliotic curves convex to the right in the thoracic spine of the immature goat with high statistical significance (P < 0.001). In addition, this method of experimental scoliosis creation avoids violation of the spinal elements throughout the maximal portion of the curve providing an ideal opportunity subsequent study of the deformity.