Purpose To evaluate the growth modulation and corrective effects of a novel polyetheretherketone spring rib plate (PEEK-SRP) implant in a porcine model of early-onset thoracic scoliosis (EOS). Methods 15 one-month-old pigs underwent thoracic nerve transection to induce right thoracic scoliosis. After 1.5 months of curve progression, animals were assigned to 3 groups: Untreated Group (UG, n = 6): Observed without intervention; Treated Group (TG, n = 6): PEEK-SRP implanted at three ribs on the convex apical levels; and Sham Group (SG, n = 3): Underwent the same surgical procedures as TG without the PEEK plate implantation. Radiographic and CT-based assessments were performed to evaluate Cobb angle, apical vertebral rotation (AVR), rib hump index (RHI), vertebra–rib angle difference (RVAD), thoracic volume, and spinal growth over 2.5 months. Results Baseline curves averaged 43.7 ± 9.4° with no group differences. At 2.5 months, the Cobb angle decreased by 17.5% (41.8° ± 11° to 34.5° ± 14.6°) in TG, compared with progression of 27.6% (54° ± 15.9° to 68.9° ± 16.8°) in UG (p = 0.0036) and 72% (35.4° ± 11.7° to 60.9° ± 5.9°) in SG (p = 0.0223). The PEEK-SRP reduced AVR by 87.3% (p < 0.0104), RHI by 79.4% (p < 0.0340), and improved RVAD by 15.2% (p < 0.0489) compared with controls. TG also demonstrated a 44% increase in convex thoracic area and an 86.8% increase in convex thoracic width compared to UG (p < 0.0005). Spine growth rate (9.6 ± 2.4 mm/week in UG, 12.7 ± 4.6 mm/week in TG, and 9.4 ± 0.4 mm/week in SG) was not different among the three groups (p = 0.1844). Conclusion The PEEK-SRP system provided effective apical control, rib cage remodeling, and spinal correction while preserving thoracic growth in a porcine EOS model. This transverse load-sharing, non-fusion strategy directly targets rib–spine deformity and shows promise as a growth-friendly treatment for EOS. Key Points <OrderedList> <ListItem> <ItemNumber>1.</ItemNumber> <ItemContent> The PEEK-SRP system offers a novel, non-fusion strategy for treating early-onset thoracic scoliosis by targeting rib cage deformities at the curve apex. </ItemContent> </ListItem> <ListItem> <ItemNumber>2.</ItemNumber> <ItemContent> Unlike traditional growing rods, which are longitudinal load-bearing devices with high complication rates and no apical control, the PEEK-SRP system functions as a transverse load-sharing implant that directly modulates rib–spine growth. </ItemContent> </ListItem> <ListItem> <ItemNumber>3.</ItemNumber> <ItemContent> In a porcine EOS model, PEEK-SRP implantation significantly reduced spinal curvature, apical vertebral rotation, and rib hump deformity, while increasing thoracic volume. </ItemContent> </ListItem> <ListItem> <ItemNumber>4.</ItemNumber> <ItemContent> The implant preserved spinal growth and flexibility, confirming its role as a growth-friendly corrective system. </ItemContent> </ListItem> <ListItem> <ItemNumber>5.</ItemNumber> <ItemContent> This study supports the clinical potential of PEEK-SRP for children with moderate progressive scoliosis, offering segmental correction without compromising thoracic development. </ItemContent> </ListItem> </OrderedList>

Growth modulation and dynamic correction of early-onset thoracic scoliosis using a PEEK spring rib plate system: a porcine model study

期刊论文
发表日期：

2026年1月28日

查看全文

Hong Zhang,
Brad Niese,
Daniel J. Sucato

摘要

Purpose

To evaluate the growth modulation and corrective effects of a novel polyetheretherketone spring rib plate (PEEK-SRP) implant in a porcine model of early-onset thoracic scoliosis (EOS).

Methods

15 one-month-old pigs underwent thoracic nerve transection to induce right thoracic scoliosis. After 1.5 months of curve progression, animals were assigned to 3 groups: Untreated Group (UG, n = 6): Observed without intervention; Treated Group (TG, n = 6): PEEK-SRP implanted at three ribs on the convex apical levels; and Sham Group (SG, n = 3): Underwent the same surgical procedures as TG without the PEEK plate implantation. Radiographic and CT-based assessments were performed to evaluate Cobb angle, apical vertebral rotation (AVR), rib hump index (RHI), vertebra–rib angle difference (RVAD), thoracic volume, and spinal growth over 2.5 months.

Results

Baseline curves averaged 43.7 ± 9.4° with no group differences. At 2.5 months, the Cobb angle decreased by 17.5% (41.8° ± 11° to 34.5° ± 14.6°) in TG, compared with progression of 27.6% (54° ± 15.9° to 68.9° ± 16.8°) in UG (p = 0.0036) and 72% (35.4° ± 11.7° to 60.9° ± 5.9°) in SG (p = 0.0223). The PEEK-SRP reduced AVR by 87.3% (p < 0.0104), RHI by 79.4% (p < 0.0340), and improved RVAD by 15.2% (p < 0.0489) compared with controls. TG also demonstrated a 44% increase in convex thoracic area and an 86.8% increase in convex thoracic width compared to UG (p < 0.0005). Spine growth rate (9.6 ± 2.4 mm/week in UG, 12.7 ± 4.6 mm/week in TG, and 9.4 ± 0.4 mm/week in SG) was not different among the three groups (p = 0.1844).

Conclusion

The PEEK-SRP system provided effective apical control, rib cage remodeling, and spinal correction while preserving thoracic growth in a porcine EOS model. This transverse load-sharing, non-fusion strategy directly targets rib–spine deformity and shows promise as a growth-friendly treatment for EOS.

Key Points

The PEEK-SRP system offers a novel, non-fusion strategy for treating early-onset thoracic scoliosis by targeting rib cage deformities at the curve apex.

Unlike traditional growing rods, which are longitudinal load-bearing devices with high complication rates and no apical control, the PEEK-SRP system functions as a transverse load-sharing implant that directly modulates rib–spine growth.

In a porcine EOS model, PEEK-SRP implantation significantly reduced spinal curvature, apical vertebral rotation, and rib hump deformity, while increasing thoracic volume.

The implant preserved spinal growth and flexibility, confirming its role as a growth-friendly corrective system.

This study supports the clinical potential of PEEK-SRP for children with moderate progressive scoliosis, offering segmental correction without compromising thoracic development.