TITLE:
Selective Posterior Epiphysiodesis of the Triradiate Cartilage of the Acetabulum: Preliminary Results of an Experimental Study in Rabbits
AUTHORS:
Bibiana Dello Russo
KEYWORDS:
Acetabular Dysplasia, Selective Epiphysiodesis, Rabbit Model
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Orthopedics,
Vol.6 No.8,
August
4,
2016
ABSTRACT: Background: Residual acetabular dysplasia is one of the main complications of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Without treatment, over time degenerative osteoarthritis of the joint will develop, inexorably leading to the need for joint replacement. Acetabular and/or femoral osteotomies do not avoid the appearance of osteoarthritis in a significant number of patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the possibility of provoking changes in the morphology of the acetabulum through selective epiphysiodesis of the extra-articular portion of the ilioischial arm of the triradiate cartilage, using a percutaneous cannulated screw with the guidance of an imaging intensifier in an experimental model in rabbits. Methods: In a pilot study, 3-week-old New Zealand rabbits (n = 20) were submitted to unilateral surgery of the hip while the contralateral hip of the same group was used as a control. Posterior epiphysiodesis to the triradiate cartilage of the acetabulum was performed by placement of a cannulated screw. The rabbits were followed-up until 18 weeks of life. Radiographic measurements of the hips were performed immediately postoperatively and at 12 weeks of life and before the rabbits were sacrificed at week 18. Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) scans were performed. Non-parametric tests for paired samples and the Wilcoxon test were used to compare the differences between group 1 and group 2. A p