Respiratory deficiency in experimental idiopathic scoliosis.
Clinically significant respiratory failure in a group of animals with an experimentally produced structural thoracic scoliosis was identified. A detailed physiologic investigation of their respiratory function showed that their respiratory compromise was associated with the development of a smaller and stiffer chest. Frank respiratory failure, however, was rare and seen only in animals with the most severe spinal deformities when it was also associated with a general failure to thrive. Animals with less severe deformities had little measurable restriction of pulmonary function, did not develop respiratory failure, and grew normally.
Smith
R M
RM
John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, England.
Hamlin
G W
GW
Dickson
R A
RA
D000818:Animals; D008170:Lung Compliance / Q000502:physiology; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D011817:Rabbits; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology*; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology