J Korean Orthop Assoc.  1978 Sep;13(3):343-351. 10.4055/jkoa.1978.13.3.343.

Pulmonary Function in Spine Deformity

• Lee HK
• Kim MH

• KMID: 2460341
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.1978.13.3.343

Abstract

The deformed and rigid spine presenting moderate to severe kyphosis and scoliosis results in a restriction of function of the lung best characterized spirographically by a reduction in vital capacity. When the lesion involves the thoracic spine, restriction of function is more marked. Spinal deformities such as kyphosis and scoliosis develop from various causes. Tuberculous spondylitis, a main cause of kyphosis and scoliosis, is increasingly found in Korea. Cardiorespiratory dysfunction caused by spinal deformity poses another problem besides the spinal deformity perse. To perform therapeutic measures such as Harrington instrumentation, with or without preoperative localizer cast and halofemoral traction, as well as anterior interbody fusion, evaluation of pulmonary function and arterial gas analysis preoperatively is helpful to prevent and reduce postoperative cardiorespiratory failure or complications. The authors have reviewed the results of arterial gas analyses and pulmonary function tests on 35 cases of scoliosis and 60 cases of kyphosis done at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, from January 1975 to February 1978. The results were as follows: 1. Average degree of scoliosis in 35 cases was 89; vital capacity 60% of normal, and maximum breathing capacity 72%. Average degree of dorsal spine kyphosis in 38 cases was 93.5; vital capacity 38%, and maximum breathing capacity 73% Average degree of lumbar spine kyphosis of 22 cases was 79; vital capacity 77%, and maximum breathing capacity 84%. 2. Static values for pulmonary function such as vital capacity and dynamic values such as maximum breathing capacity hed a significant negative correlation with the severity of scoliosis and kyphosis. 3. Decrease in vital capacity due to scoliosis and kyphosis correlated positively with decrease in maximum breathing capacity. 4. Arterial oxygen saturation had a significant negative correlation with the severity of scoliosis and kyphosis.

MeSH Terms

Congenital Abnormalities*
Korea
Kyphosis
Lung
Orthopedics
Oxygen
Respiration
Respiratory Function Tests
Scoliosis
Seoul
Spine*
Spondylitis
Traction
Vital Capacity
Oxygen