Assessment of respiratory function in girls with scoliosis after thoracoplasty.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to assess pulmonary function in patients after spinal fusion combined with thoracoplasty in comparison with subjects in whom thoracoplasty was not performed, but who underwent intensive rehabilitation. MATERIAL NA DMETHODS: The study population consisted of two groups of adolescent girls about two years after surgical correction of scoliosis by Cotrel-Dubousset method. The subjects in the first group (thoracoplasty group) underwent spinal fusion in combination with thoracoplasty, which consisted in subperiosteal resection of deformed segments of six ribs on top of the rib hump. Patients in the second group (rehabilitation group) had no thoracoplasty, but participated in a 4-week rehabilitation programme based on endurance training. Pulmonary function was assessed in all subjects with resting spirometry. Additionally, maximal oxygen uptake was determined using an indirect method.


RESULTS
Spirometric parameters at rest were significantly higher in subjects participating in the rehabilitation program compared to the thoracoplasty patients. VO2max values were similar in both groups, indicating relatively good exercise capacity.


CONCLUSIONS
Comprehensive motor rehabilitation based on endurance training has a favorable influence on pulmonary function in patients after surgical correction of scoliosis. A rehabilitation program should be included in the management of patients after spinal fusion combined with thoracoplasty.
Laurentowska
Maria
M
Division of Physiology, University School of Physical Education in Poznań, Poland. laurentowska@awf.poznan.pl
Głowacki
Maciej
M
Michalak
Edyta
E
Deskur-Smielecka
Ewa
E
Barinow-Wojewódzki
Aleksander
A
Pospieszna
Barbara
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D010807:Physical Endurance; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests / Q000379:methods; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013147:Spirometry; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D013905:Thoracoplasty / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000534:rehabilitation