Using Meccano for Orthopaedic Spinal Research

Well how else would you correct a three dimensional deformity but with Meccano. No one knows what causes spinal curvature deformity (Scoliosis) mainly in young girls. It can cause extreme deformity and has to be carefully monitored by serial X-rays. If a decision is made to operate, then corrective rods and hooks are applied to strategic vertebrae and then a bone graft is performed to fuse the spinal elements.    

My research involved trying to find a new system which could correct the three dimensional curves as much as possible intra-operatively, and then holding them while the spine fused. The idea was to first correct the deformities as much as possible at operation, and then to attach permanent indwelling fixation.

I obtained a full size skeleton model and then using Meccano only, applied clamps to apical and end vertebrae of the curves, and linked them with distraction, apical displacement and rotational correction devices. The system was shown in my department, and subsequently to a Dutch appliance company for further development.