Impact of Asymptomatic Idiopathic Scoliosis on Pulmonary Function

Background: Scoliosis is considered as one of the commonest spinal deformity to affect the pulmonary functions because of its ability to alter the respiratory mechanics. Its advancement with age proves fatal because of complications such as respiratory failure. Even though idiopathic scoliosis is also prevalent in India, the data regarding pulmonary function status of these individuals are scant. This necessitates a study on pulmonary functions in Idiopathic Scoliosis. Aims & Objective: To study the pulmonary functions in individuals with idiopathic scoliosis and to compare the same with age and sex matched normal individuals. Materials and Methods: In this study pulmonary functions such as slow vital capacity parameters and forced vital capacity parameters were studied in thirty individuals with Idiopathic Scoliosis in the age group of 1530 years. These parameters were compared with those recorded in equal number of age and sex matched apparently normal healthy individuals using unpaired t test. Results: A significant reduction was observed in lung function parameters such as vital capacity, tidal volume, inspiratory/expiratory reserve volumes, inspiratory capacity, forced vital capacity(FVC) and forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1). However the ratio between FEV1 and FVC were within normal limits in both the groups and did not show any significant change. Conclusion: Observations of the present study is suggestive of a restrictive pattern of impairment in Scoliosis, which is mainly because of alteration in respiratory mechanics. These pulmonary deficits may not be evident as they are symptomless. However in future these may tip the balance towards respiratory complications. So study of pulmonary functions in scoliotics may give an idea regarding the extent of detriment of lung function and hence will be useful in planning the treatment options for Scoliosis.