Can experimental denervation of paravertebral muscles induce scoliosis

English Keywords:Scoliosis  Paravertebral muscles  Denervation  Rabbits

English Abstract:

  【Abstract】 Objective：To establish the animal model of unilateral denervation of paravertebral muscles by sectioning the dorsal ramus of the spinal nerves，and to observe whether this will induce scoliosis with curve convex to the damaged side．Method：96 Japanese white rabbits（female∶male，1∶1） were included in this research．The weight ranged from 500ｇ to 700g，and the rabbits aged from 4 to 6 weeks．All animals were randomized into experiment group（n=48） and control group（n=48）.The experimental group was divided into 2 groups（group A and B）based on unilateral or bilateral paravertebral muscles section，and these 2 groups were divided into 3 subgroups according to varied segments of dorsal ramus section（4，6，8　segments），while the same surgical maneuver，except for sectioning of dorsal ramus，were performed in control group．At 1，2 and 3 months after operation，radiographs were taken to observe the spinal curve，and histoimmunochemistry test were used to determine the atrophy of paravertebral muscles．Result：3 Months after operation，apparent atrophy of paravertebral muscles at sectioning side was visualized through naked eyes and HE staining in experiment groups，but no scoliosis with curve convex to the damaged side developed．Conclusion：Unilateral denervation of paravertebral muscles does not induce scoliosis with curve convex to the damaged side.