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Cardiopulmonary Function in Scoliosis

Discussion

  • vital capacity < 75% (of predicted values) is seen in  thoracic curves > 75 deg;
  • significant reductions in pulmonary function are seen in curves > 80 deg;
  • although some effect on pulmonary function can be seen at 60 deg, significant compromise is not seen until the curve is > 90 deg
  • curves greater than 100 deg have total lung capacity of about 50% of normal;
  • w/ curves between 100
  • 140 deg, average vital capacity is 60%;
  • restrictive lung disease and right sided heart failure become manifest at curves about 120 deg;

Effect of Bracing:

(see bracing in scoliosis)

  • application of brace results in sig reduction in vital capacity (14%), f(x) residual capacity (22%), & total lung capacity (12%)
  • bracing will reduce lung function by 10 to 15%