Introduction

Growth-guidance or self-lengthening rod systems are an alternative to subcutaneous growing rods and the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib for the treatment of early onset scoliosis. Their main perceived advantage over growing rods is the marked decrease in subsequent operative procedures. The Shilla growth-guidance system and a modern Luque trolley are examples of such systems; both depend on gliding pedicle screws and/or sliding titanium sublaminar wires. However, the unknown consequences of metal-on-metal wear debris are reason for concern especially in young patients. In this study, instrumentation stability, residual growth in the operated segment after surgery and biocompatibility of the novel radiopaque UHMWPE cables as an alternative to gliding pedicles screws or titanium sublaminar wires were assessed in an immature sheep model.