Pedicle growth asymmetry as a cause of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A biomechanical study

Anne Marie Huynh, Carl Eric Aubin, Talib Rajwani, Keith M. Bagnall, Isabelle Villemure

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Over the last century the neurocentral junction (NCJ) has been identified as a potential cause of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Disparate growth at this site has been thought to lead to pedicle asymmetry, which then causes vertebral rotation and ultimately, the development of scoliotic curves. The objectives of this study are (1) to incorporate pedicle growth and growth modulation into an existing finite element model of the thoracic and lumbar spine already integrating vertebral body growth and growth modulation; (2) to use the model to investigate whether pedicle asymmetry, either alone or combined with other deformations, could be involved in scoliosis pathomechanisms. The model was personalized to the geometry of a nonpathological subject and used as the reference spinal configuration. Asymmetry of pedicle geometry (i.e. initial length) and asymmetry of the pedicle growth rate alone or in combination with other AIS potential pathogenesis (anterior, lateral, or rotational displacement of apical vertebra) were simulated over a period of 24 months. The Cobb angle and local scoliotic descriptors (wedging angle, axial rotation) were assessed at each monthly growth cycle. Simulations with asymmetrical pedicle geometry did not produce significant scoliosis, vertebral rotation, or wedging. Simulations with asymmetry of pedicle growth rate did not cause scoliosis independently and did not amplify the scoliotic deformity caused by other deformations tested in the previous model. The results of this model do not support the hypothesis that asymmetrical NCJ growth is a cause of AIS. This concurs with recent animal experiments in which NCJ growth was unilaterally restricted and no scoliosis, vertebral wedging, or rotation was noted.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)523-529
Number of pages7
JournalEuropean Spine Journal
Volume16
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Biomechanical modeling
  • Growth modulation
  • Idiopathic scoliosis
  • Neurocentral junction
  • Spine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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