title: Lordoscoliosis and large intrathoracic airway obstruction.
abstract: METHODS
  Case series.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We report the treatment of 2 children with right main bronchus obstruction complicating thoracic lordoscoliosis.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The preoperative investigation and treatment of large airway obstruction caused by lordoscoliosis has not been reported in the literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  Obstruction of the right main bronchus was confirmed before surgery by ventilation-perfusion scans, bronchogram, and computed tomography scan. Deformity correction was achieved using a submuscular growth rod construct in one child, and posterior spinal fusion in the other. Clinical examination and repeat ventilation-perfusion scans were performed 8 weeks after surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In both children, ventilation to the right "convex" lung was reestablished after surgery. Lung function improved in both patients after surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first report of large airway obstruction associated with thoracic lordoscoliosis in which ventilation was reestablished after spinal deformity correction. Early deformity correction is indicated in such cases because of the risk of irreversible compromise to lung ventilation and perfusion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Spinal Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK. william.bartlett@gmail.com
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bartlett
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Garrido
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wallis
authors.forename: Stewart K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Tucker
authors.forename: Hilali
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Noordeen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001980:Bronchi / Q000503:physiopathology; D001995:Bronchography; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008141:Lordosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014692:Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio