Does Posterior Scoliosis Correction Improve Respiratory Function in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Surgical Treatment Strategies for Severe and Neglected Spinal Deformities in Children and Adolescents without the Use of Radical Three-Column Osteotomies

Background: Severe spinal deformity manifests as a pronounced deviation from the normal curvature of the spine in the frontal, sagittal, and horizontal planes, where the coronal plane curvature exceeds 90 degrees and may coincide with hyperkyphotic deformity. The most severe deformities exhibit rigidity, with flexibility below 30%. If left untreated or improperly treated, these deformities can result in serious complications associated with progression of the curvature. A combination of surgical techniques is frequently employed to attain optimal outcomes and minimize the risk of complications. The overall medical condition of the patient, their capacity to endure extensive procedures, the expertise of the surgeon, and the resources available all play significant roles in determining the course of management. A systematic and thorough review of the relevant literature was conducted utilizing a variety of electronic databases. The primary objective of this study was to scrutinize the surgical techniques commonly employed in complex spine surgeries for the management of severe scoliosis without resection vertebral body techniques, with higher potential risk of major complications, including permanent neurological deficit. Conclusions: Halo-gravity traction, halo femoral traction, and all techniques for releases of the spine (anterior, posterior, or combine), as well as thoracoplasty, have demonstrated significant effectiveness in managing severe and rigid idiopathic scoliosis. The combination of several of these methods can lead to optimal alignment correction without the need to perform high-risk techniques involving three-column osteotomies. Surgeons must customize the indications based on factors such as available resources, characteristics of the deformity, and the patient's individual profile. Surgical correction of severe scoliosis without vertebral body resection surgeries decreases the potential risks related to neurological and pulmonary complications while providing significant clinical improvement outcomes. The powerful Ponte osteotomy is indicated for severe scoliosis, curves with poor flexibility, for better restoration of hypokyphosis, and decrease of hyperkyphosis. These corrective techniques combined with HGT or temporary internal distraction rods are recommended as viable options for managing individuals with severe rigid spine deformity characteristics. Therefore, they also should be considered and performed by a proficient surgical team. The presence of neuromonitoring is crucial throughout these procedures.

Modified Thoracoplasty for Rib Hump Deformity in Scoliosis Patients: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Razorback deformity with stiff thoracic scoliosis creates a complex three-dimensional deformity. Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and thoracoplasty can correct rib hump deformity and improve patient satisfaction. However, conventional thoracoplasty may impair pulmonary function and increase complications. We present a modified thoracoplasty (MTP) technique for addressing rib hump deformity in stiff thoracic scoliosis patients, emphasizing its clinical efficacy and safety.

METHODS

This study included 44 patients with stiff thoracic scoliosis and razorback deformity who underwent surgery between January 2010 and May 2021. Patients were divided into PSF + MTP (n = 27) and PSF (n = 17) groups. Surgical parameters, complications, radiographic improvements, pulmonary function, and Scoliosis Research Society-22 scores were evaluated preoperatively and at 3 months and 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups, except for the rib hump height, which was higher in the PSF + MTP group. The PSF + MTP group showed superior correction of the thoracic curve and rib hump height compared to the PSF group, with significant improvements in self-image scores. No significant differences were observed in pulmonary function between the groups. The operative time was longer in the PSF + MTP group, but there were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization costs, or major complications. Regression analysis indicated that the type of surgery, thoracic Cobb angle, and preoperative self-image scores were significant predictors of postoperative self-image scores.

CONCLUSIONS

MTP provides enhanced correction of thoracic curve and rib hump deformity without significantly increasing pulmonary function impairment or complication rates. It also improves patients' self-image, making it a valuable addition to PSF in treating stiff thoracic scoliosis with rib hump deformity.

Pulmonary function in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: an explorative study of a wearable smart shirt as a measurement instrument

PURPOSE

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) presents various challenges, including respiratory symptoms that impact pulmonary function. This study aims to explore the feasibility of using a smart shirt for continuous monitoring of lung volumes and heart rate during routine activities in AIS patients.

METHODS

A single-center exploratory feasibility study was conducted with AIS patients aged 16-22 years with a thoracic curvature of ≥ 30 degrees and absence of respiratory comorbidities. A smart shirt was utilized to continuously monitor cardiopulmonary parameters during mild exercise, which included a standardized walking route with the ascent of multiple stairs.

RESULTS

Five participants completed the study. Baseline spirometry measurements showed a range of values for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC ratio. During mild exercise, participants exhibited variability in tidal volume, heart rate, breathing rate, and minute ventilation, with increases observed during stair climbing. Breathlessness levels also varied throughout the activity but did not correlate with the measured lung volumes. Overall, the use of the smart shirt for assessing pulmonary function in AIS patients was deemed feasible and well tolerated by participants during the test activities.

CONCLUSION

The study confirms the feasibility of using a smart shirt for continuous measurement of cardiopulmonary parameters in AIS patients during daily activities. Incongruities between spirometry results and perceived dyspnea exists, which questions the nature of the perceived dyspnea. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the impact of AIS characteristics on measurement accuracy.

Neurophysiological, balance and motion evidence in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a spinal deformity that affects approximately 4% of the world's population. Several hypotheses regarding the etiology of AIS have been investigated. In the last decades, impaired visual-spatial perception, alterations in spatial body orientation and sensory integration deficits have been documented.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to summarize the neurophysiological, balance, and motion evidence related to AIS published in the last fifteen years, between January 2008 and April 2023. Both observational and interventional studies were considered. Only studies using quantitative assessment methods, such as electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), somatosensory evoked potentials, force platform, or motion capture, were included.

METHODS

1250 eligible records identified from online database searching were filtered by duplicate removal, title and abstract screening, and qualitative analysis. 61 articles met the inclusion criteria (i.e., Cobb range 10°-35°, age range 10-18 years) and were summarized.

RESULTS

We found significant evidence of impaired standing balance in individuals with AIS who greatly rely on visual and proprioceptive information to stay upright. EMG studies frequently reported an increased activity on the convex side of the intrinsic spinae muscles. EEG data show increased delta and theta power, higher alpha peak frequencies, and significant suppression in the alpha and beta bands in subjects with AIS during standing tasks. MRI studies report changes in white matter structures, differences in the vestibular system, and abnormal cortical activations over motor-related areas in subjects with AIS. Bracing appears to be an effective treatment for AIS, leading to improvements in static balance and gait. Methodological issues prevent reliable conclusions about the effects of other treatment options.

CONCLUSIONS

This review underscores the importance of quantitative assessment methods to explore the etiology and pathophysiology of AIS. Further research is needed to measure the impact of physical therapy and orthotic treatments on the neurophysiological mechanisms of the disease.

Impact of pleural effusion at an early period after posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis on future pulmonary function and lung volume

Background

Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has a potential risk for postoperative pleural effusion. Although pleural effusion at an early period after PSF for AIS occurs with a relatively high frequency and occasionally requires some treatments, the impact of postoperative pleural effusion on future pulmonary function or lung volume (LV) has not been clarified to date. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pleural effusion after PSF for AIS on the postoperative pulmonary function and LV.

Methods

A total of 114 consecutive patients who underwent PSF for AIS followed up greater than 2 years at our institute were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated postoperative pleural effusion by computed tomography (CT) at the 1-week follow-up and divided patients into the pleural effusion (PF) and non-pleural effusion (NP) groups. We investigated spirometry parameters recorded for testing included vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), %VC, and FEV1% and measured the LV using CT images and a workstation at baseline and 2 years after surgery.

Results

A total of 87 (76.3%) patients with postoperative pleural effusion were identified, but all patients were asymptomatic and did not require additional treatment for postoperative pleural effusion. All pulmonary function parameters at the 2-year follow-up exhibited no significant differences between the two groups. Although preoperative left LV (1.21±0.30 L vs. 1.36±0.34 L; p=.022) and total LV (2.68±0.62 L vs. 2.99±0.73 L; p=.031) were significantly lower in the PF group than in the NP group, all postoperative LV parameters were similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

Pleural effusion at an early period after PSF for AIS was a postoperative occurrence without an impact on future pulmonary function and LV.

Abolition of sagittal T7-T10 dynamics during forced ventilation in AIS patients with Lenke 1A curves

In healthy subjects, respiratory maximal volumes are highly dependent on the sagittal range of motion of the T7-T10 segment. In AIS, the abolition of T7-T10 dynamics related to the stiffness induced by the apex region in Lenke IA curves could harm ventilation during maximal breathing. The aim of this study was to analyze the dynamics of the thoracic spine during deep breathing in AIS patients and in healthy matched controls. This is a cross-sectional, case-control study. 20 AIS patients (18 girls, Cobb angle, 54.7 ± 7.9°; Risser 1.35 ± 1.2) and 15 healthy volunteers (11 girls) matched in age (12.5 versus 15.8 years mean age) were included. In AIS curves, the apex was located at T8 (14) and T9 (6). Conventional sagittal radiographs of the whole spine were performed at maximal inspiration and exhalation. The ROM of each spinal thoracic functional segment (T1-T7, T7-T10, T10-T12) and the global T1-T12 ROM were measured. In healthy subjects, the mean T1-T12 ROM during forced breathing was 16.7 ± 3.8. AIS patients showed a T1-T12 ROM of 1.1 ± 1.5 (p < 0.05), indicating a sagittal stiffness of the thoracic spine. A wide T7-T10 ROM (15.3 ± 3.0) was found in healthy controls (91.6% of the T1-T12 ROM). AIS patients showed only 0.4 ± 1.4 ROM at T7-T10 (36.4% of the T1-T12 ROM) (p < 0.001). There was a linear relationship between the magnitude of T7-T10 kyphosis in maximal exhalation and both FVC (% of predicted FVC) and FEV1. In conclusion, Lenke 1A AIS patients show a restriction of the thoracic spine motion with an almost complete abolition of T7-T10 ROM, a crucial segment for deep breathing. T7-T10 stiffness could explain the ventilatory limitations found in AIS patients.

What Are the Effects of Posterior Corrective Surgery, With or Without Thoracoplasty, on Pulmonary Function in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES

This study's objective is to provide a critical review of the current literature regarding the changes in pulmonary function (PF) in Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients who have undergone posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation (PSF), with and without thoracoplasty (TP).

METHODS

A comprehensive search was performed using the following databases: EMBASE, PubMed, EBSCOhost (CINAHL and Medline) and OpenGrey. Our focus was on studies that compared pre-and postoperative percent-predicted values of forced vital capacity (%FVC) or forced expiratory volume in 1 second (%FEV1) in AIS patients who had undergone PSF, with and without TP, with a minimum 2-year follow-up. The risk of bias for included studies was assessed using the ROBINS-I ("Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions") tool. Mean change scores were depicted using forest plots.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies met our inclusion criteria. The results of our analysis suggest that PSF with TP caused a significant deterioration of %FVC in individuals with moderate AIS, with no significant effect on %FEV1. It also showed a minor improvement of FEV1% in individuals with moderate AIS after PSF only, but no significant change in %FVC.

CONCLUSIONS

PSF with TP caused a significant deterioration of % FVC while PSF alone caused a minor improvement of FEV1% in individuals with moderate AIS with a minimum 2-year follow-up.

Comparative effectiveness of different pedicle screw density patterns in spinal deformity correction of small and flexible operative adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis

PURPOSES

An optimal pedicle screw density for spinal deformity correction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) remains poorly defined. We compared radiographic correction, operative time, estimated blood loss, and implant cost among different screw density patterns in operatively treated AIS patients.

METHODS

A retrospective observational cohort study of AIS patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion using all-pedicle screw instrumentation was conducted from January 2012 to December 2018. All patients were categorized into three different pedicle screw density groups: the very low density (VLD), the low density (LD), and the high density (HD) group. The comparative effectiveness between each pairwise comparison was performed under the inverse probability of the treatment weighting method to minimize the possible confounders imbalance among treatment groups. The primary endpoints in this study were the degrees of correction and deformity progression at 2 years postoperatively.

RESULTS

A total of 174 AIS patients were included in this study. The adjusted treatment effects demonstrated similar degrees of deformity correction after 2 years in the three treatment groups. However, the VLD and LD group slightly increased the curve progression at 2 years compared to the HD group by 3.9° (p = 0.005) and 3.2° (p = 0.044), respectively. Nevertheless, the limited screw density patterns (VLD and LD) significantly reduced the operative time, estimated blood loss, and implant cost per operated level.

CONCLUSION

The limited pedicle screw pattern (VLD and LD) in relatively flexible AIS spinal deformity correction results in similar coronal and sagittal radiological outcomes while reducing operative time, estimated blood loss, and implant cost compared to the high-density pedicle screw instrumentation.

Impact of Physical Flexibility Changes on Respiratory Function after Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery

Introduction

Corrective scoliosis surgery in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) increases thoracic volume but does not improve respiratory function (RF). This study evaluates the effect of physical flexibility (PF) improvement after scoliosis surgery on RF.

Methods

This study reviewed the records of 61 consecutive patients with AIS (56 female and 5 male; mean±standard deviation age: 14.8±2.2 years, range: 11-20 years) who had undergone posterior spinal fusion (PSF) of the thoracic curve. PF evaluated as finger-floor distance (FFD) was measured preoperatively and one year after surgery. After dividing the cohort into the PF improvement group and the PF nonimprovement group, RF changes at two years postoperative were statistically compared. Using logistic regression analysis, we evaluated the impact of a PF improvement on % forced vital capacity (%FVC) two years after surgery.

Results

The rate of patients with increased FVC, %FVC, and forced expiratory volume 1.0 second two years after surgery was 79%, 51%, and 80%, respectively. The PF improvement group exhibited a significantly higher gain in %FVC versus the PF nonimprovement group (P=0.043). Moreover, PF improvement significantly prevented a %FVC decrease (odds ratio 8.43, 95% confidence interval 1.92-59.70; P<0.001), with an adjusted odds ratio of 11.86 (P<0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with diminished PF after PSF for AIS may be less likely to achieve postoperative %FVC improvement. As increased postsurgical %FVC had a positive effect on physical function, treatment strategies that focus on maintaining and increasing PF are desirable from an RF viewpoint.

Effects of Core Stabilization Training on the Cobb Angle and Pulmonary Function in Adolescent Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis

Objective

To observe the effects of core stabilization training on the Cobb angle, respiratory muscle strength (maximum inspiratory pressure, MIP; maximal expiratory pressure, MEP), and pulmonary function (forced vital capacity, FVC; forced expiratory volume, FEV1.0; FEV1.0/FVC%) in adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and offer practical-based evidence for the rehabilitation treatment for AIS patients.

Methods

36 AIS patients were assigned to the core stability training (CST) group (n = 18) and control group (n = 18); the CST group participated in three sessions of core stabilization exercise per week for 12 weeks and the control group did not perform regular physical training during 12 weeks of study. Then, the Cobb angle, respiratory muscle strength (MIP and MEP), and pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1.0, and FEV1.0/FVC%) were measured before and after core stabilization training.

Results

After 12 weeks of core stabilization training, compared with the pretest, the Cobb angle showed a significant decrease, FVC, FEV1, MIP, and MEP a significant increase (P < 0.01 respectively), and there was no statistical difference in FEV1/FVC in the CST group; there was no significant difference (P > 0.05 respectively) before and after an experiment in the control group except MEP decreased significantly (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). After 12 weeks of core stabilization training, compared with the control group, the Cobb angle significantly decreased (P < 0.01), FVC, FEV1, MIP, and MEP significantly increased (P < 0.05 respectively) in the CST group, but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05, respectively) in FEV1/FVC between the control group and CST group.

Conclusions

Core stabilization exercise can be considered to have a positive effect on the normal physiological curvature of the spine in AIS patients, as it decreases the Cobb angle and strengthens respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function.

Pulmonary function in children and adolescents with untreated idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review with meta-regression analysis

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

One of the controversies in untreated idiopathic scoliosis is the influence of curve size on respiratory function. Whereas scoliosis patients with curves over 90 to 100 degrees are agreed to be at risk for cardiorespiratory failure in later life, the impairment of curves below 90 degrees is generally considered mild. Although various studies showed that pulmonary function is affected in patients with scoliosis, quantification of the relation between curve size and pulmonary function is lacking.

PURPOSE

This systematic review with meta-regression analysis aims to characterize the relation between pulmonary function tests and scoliosis severity in children and adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review with meta-regression analysis.

METHODS

Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL were systematically searched until November 3, 2020, for original articles that reported (1) severity of scoliosis quantified in Cobb angle, and (2) pulmonary function tests in children and adolescents with untreated idiopathic scoliosis. Exclusion criteria were other types of scoliosis, non-original data, post-treatment data, and case reports. All study designs were included, and relevant study details and patient characteristics were extracted. The primary outcome was the effect of Cobb angle on pulmonary function as expressed by the slope coefficient of a linear meta-regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 126 studies, including 8,723 patients, were retrieved. Meta-regression analysis revealed a statistically significant inverse relation between thoracic Cobb angle and absolute and predicted forced vital capacity in 1 second, forced vital capacity, vital capacity, and total lung capacity. For these outcomes, the slope coefficients showed a decrease of 1% of the predicted pulmonary function per 2.6 to 4.5 degrees of scoliosis. A multivariable meta-regression analysis of potential confounders (age, year of publication, and kyphosis) hardly affected the majority of the outcomes.

CONCLUSION

This meta-regression analysis of summary data (means) from 126 studies showed an inverse relationship between the thoracic Cobb angle and pulmonary function. In contrast to previous conclusions, the decline in pulmonary function appears to be gradual over the full range of Cobb angles between <20 and >120 degrees. These findings strengthen the relevance of minimizing curve progression in children with idiopathic scoliosis.

Factors affecting postoperative pulmonary function deterioration in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A prospective study using 3-dimensional image reconstruction by biplanar stereoradiography

This study aimed both to evaluate rib cage parameters in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) by three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction using biplanar stereoradiography (EOS) (EOS Imaging, Paris, France) and identify factors associated with postoperative pulmonary function deterioration (PFD). A total of 67 patients with Lenke type 1 or 2 AIS (59 females and 8 males; mean age, 14.4 years) undergoing posterior corrective fusion with a rod rotation maneuver based on segmental pedicle screw fixation were recruited. 3D images and pulmonary function test results were analyzed preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. The following parameters were measured: maximum thickness, maximum width, thoracic index, rib hump, rib cage volume (RCV), spinal penetration index (SPI), endothoracic hump ratio (EHR), vertebra-sternum angle (VSA), rib-vertebra angle difference, vertebral lateral decentering (VLD), forced vital capacity (FVC), and percent predicted FVC (%FVC). PFD was defined as a postoperative %FVC decline of 5% or greater. Patients were divided into two groups, namely PFD and non-PFD. FVC increased from 2.62 L to 2.73 L, while %FVC decreased from 88.7% to 82.7%. The maximum width diminished postoperatively in the PFD group. Patients in the PFD group exhibited a significantly smaller increase in RCV and VLD as well as a significantly smaller decrease in SPI, EHR, and VSA than those in the non-PFD group. The rib cage parameters quantified on 3D images reconstructed using EOS are useful in identifying factors affecting PFD in patients with AIS.

Comparison of laminoplasty and posterior fusion surgery for cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament

This prospective multicenter study, established by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and involving 27 institutions, aimed to compare postoperative outcomes between laminoplasty (LM) and posterior fusion (PF) for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), in order to address the controversy surrounding the role of instrumented fusion in cases of posterior surgical decompression for OPLL. 478 patients were considered for participation in the study; from among them, 189 (137 and 52 patients with LM and PF, respectively) were included and evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, the JOA Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ), and radiographical measurements. Basic demographic and radiographical data were reviewed, and the propensity to choose a surgical procedure was calculated. Preoperatively, there were no significant differences among the participants in terms of patient backgrounds, radiographical measurements (K-line or cervical alignment on X-ray, OPLL occupation ratio on computed tomography, increased signal intensity change on magnetic resonance imaging), or clinical status (JOA score and JOACMEQ) after adjustments. The overall risk of perioperative complications was found to be lower with LM (odds ratio [OR] 0.40, p = 0.006), and the rate of C5 palsy occurrence was significantly lower with LM (OR 0.11, p = 0.0002) than with PF. The range of motion (20.91° ± 1.05° and 9.38° ± 1.24°, p < 0.0001) in patients who had PF was significantly smaller than in those who had LM. However, multivariable logistic regression analysis showed no significant difference among the participants in JOA score, JOA recovery rate, or JOACMEQ improvement at two years. In contrast, OPLL progression was greater in the LM group than in the PF group (OR 2.73, p = 0.0002). Both LM and PF for cervical myelopathy due to OPLL had resulted in comparable postoperative outcomes at 2 years after surgery.

Estimating pulmonary function after surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using biplanar radiographs of the chest with 3D reconstruction

AIMS

This study addressed two questions: first, does surgical correction of an idiopathic scoliosis increase the volume of the rib cage, and second, is it possible to evaluate the change in lung function after corrective surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using biplanar radiographs of the ribcage with 3D reconstruction?

METHODS

A total of 45 patients with a thoracic AIS which needed surgical correction and fusion were included in a prospective study. All patients underwent pulmonary function testing (PFT) and low-dose biplanar radiographs both preoperatively and one year after surgery. The following measurements were recorded: forced vital capacity (FVC), slow vital capacity (SVC), and total lung capacity (TLC). Rib cage volume (RCV), maximum rib hump, main thoracic curve Cobb angle (MCCA), medial-lateral and anteroposterior diameter, and T4-T12 kyphosis were calculated from 3D reconstructions of the biplanar radiographs.

RESULTS

All spinal and thoracic measurements improved significantly after surgery (p < 0.001). RCV increased from 4.9 l (SD 1) preoperatively to 5.3 l (SD 0.9) (p < 0.001) while TLC increased from 4.1 l (SD 0.9) preoperatively to 4.3 l (SD 0.8) (p < 0.001). RCV was correlated with all functional indexes before and after correction of the deformity. Improvement in RCV was weakly correlated with correction of the mean thoracic Cobb angle (p = 0.006). The difference in TLC was significantly correlated with changes in RCV (p = 0.041). It was possible to predict postoperative TLC from the postoperative RCV.

CONCLUSION

3D rib cage assessment from biplanar radiographs could be a minimally invasive method of estimating pulmonary function before and after spinal fusion in patients with an AIS. The 3D RCV reflects virtual chest capacity and hence pulmonary function in this group of patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):112-119.

Analysis of the pulmonary function in patients undergoing vertebral body tethering for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

PURPOSE

The literature concerning the effects of scoliosis correction on pulmonary function (PF) is scarce and solely related to spinal fusion. Vertebral body tethering (VBT) represents a new option for scoliosis correction; however, its effects on PF have not yet been investigated. As VBT is a fusion-less technique that does not limit the dynamics of the chest wall, it is expected not to have a negative impact on PF despite the anterior surgical approach.

METHODS

We analyzed the PF preoperatively and compared it with the PF at 6-weeks, 6-months and 12-monthts postoperatively. Considered parameters were total lung capacity (TLC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) expressed as percentages. A change of more than 10% was considered clinically significant.

RESULTS

Before VBT, overall TLC, FEV1 and FVC measured 98 ± 15%, 85 ± 16% and 91 ± 17%, respectively. Six weeks after surgery, all parameters were comparable to the preoperative values (TLC 96 ± 17%, FEV1 84 ± 14%, FVC 90 ± 16%) and remained so at the last follow-up (TLC 99 ± 15%, FEV1 89 ± 9%, FVC 86 ± 9). While a reduction in FEV1 and FVC was observed at 6-weeks and 6-months in patients with thoracic or double curves compared to thoracolumbar curves, no significant differences were observed at the 12-months follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

VBT does not cause a reduction in PF values at a short-term follow-up.

Pulmonary Implications of Pediatric Spinal Deformities

"Pediatric spinal deformities may be associated with pulmonary complications in a patient's lifetime. A review of the diagnosis of spinal abnormalities includes classifications of scoliosis and kyphosis, correlating physical examination findings and radiographic interpretation. The natural history of untreated spine deformities is reviewed along with the associated altered pulmonary compromise. Treatment options for children affected by spinal deformities are discussed, including the relative indications, the efficacy, pros and cons of different treatment options, along with the evidence to support these. This overview of spine deformities includes research outcomes to support the care of these pediatric patients."