Abstract

Fifty patients aged 11 to 78 years with untreated idiopathic scoliosis were studied. An increased frequency of respiratory impairment was found, especially in patients with a severe degree of scoliosis. Seven patients under 60 years were unable to work and all had thoracic curves exceeding 100°. None of the patients between 20 and 65 years of age was engaged in hard work and 22% had a disability pension, all because of respiratory impairment. A tendency to increased shortness of breath was noted with increasing curves as well as age.

Dynamic and static spirometry was performed and airway closure was studied with the xenon-133 bolus technique. With increasing degrees of scoliosis there was a reduction in all lung volumes. Seventeen of 40 patients showed evidence of airway closure at lung volumes greater than functional residual capacity; 6 of these patients were under 40 years of age, and all had thoracic scoliosis exceeding 90°.