Cardiac and respiratory function before and after spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Abstract

Ten girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were studied before and 17-23 months after spinal fusion. None had any cardiac or respiratory disease complicating the scoliosis. They underwent a range of resting lung function tests and a progressive exercise test. The mean angle of scoliosis decreased from 65.8 to 27.3 degrees after operation but the only significant physiological benefit detected in this study was a decrease in the submaximal minute ventilation. The physiological benefit of spinal fusion was therefore much less prominent than the anatomical improvement of the spinal curvature.

• Authors: J M Shneerson, M A Edgar
• Journal: Thorax (Thorax) Vol. 34 Issue 5 Pg. 658-61 (Oct 1979) ISSN: 0040-6376 [Print] England
• PMID: 515986 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Female
• Heart Rate
• Humans
• Physical Exertion
• Respiration
• Respiratory Function Tests
• Scoliosis (physiopathology, surgery)
• Spinal Fusion