title: Scoliosis and the respiratory system.
abstract: Scoliosis is caused by the lateral displacement and rotation of the vertebral bodies. It is most common during periods of rapid somatic growth. Scoliosis impedes on the movement of the ribs, places the respiratory muscles at a mechanical disadvantage and displaces the various organs of the thoracic cavity. Scoliosis decreases the chest wall compliance directly and the lung compliance indirectly (due to progressive atelectasis and air-trapping), causing a significant increase in the work of breathing that, because of the associated respiratory muscle weakness may lead to chronic respiratory failure. Progressive pulmonary hypertension also constitutes a leading cause for morbidity and mortality. Scoliosis is not reversible, but it can be controlled. Routine screening should start early and continue until the child reaches skeletal maturation. Pulmonary function testing can provide an easy and reliable means for the evaluation and follow-up of the condition.
authors.affiliation: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Schneider Children's Hospital, New Hyde Park, New York, NY 11040, USA. akoumbou@lij.edu
authors.forename: Anastassios C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Koumbourlis
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000254:growth & development*; D008170:Lung Compliance; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000209:etiology; D001261:Pulmonary Atelectasis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D014797:Vital Capacity; D014939:Work of Breathing