Background: Idiopathic scoliosis, which accounts for the 80-85% of all lateral spine curvatures, distorts the chest wall anatomy and results in functional pulmonary disability.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the pulmonary function in patients with asymptomatic idiopathic scoliosis and matched controls and to study the correlation between the degree of spinal deformity (Cobbs angle) and pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters.
Materials and Methods: This study included 35 (27 males and 8 females) patients with idiopathic scoliosis in the age group of 15-30 years, with mean Cobbs angle 62°. Standing anteroposterior X-rays of the spine were taken. The radiographs were assessed and angle of curvature was measured by the Cobbs method. PFT parameters were recorded and compared with matched controls, and their correlation with Cobbs angle was studied. The data were analyzed with the Students unpaired t-test and Pearsons correlation coefficient.
Results: Pulmonary parameters such as tidal volume, vital capacity (VC), forced VC (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), maximum mid-expiratory flow rate, peak expiratory flow rate, and maximum voluntary ventilation were significantly reduced in scoliosis patients than controls, and they were inversely correlated with Cobbs angle. However, the mean FEV1/FVC ratio at rest in scoliosis patients was within normal limits and the ratio was not correlated with Cobbs angle.
Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that patients with idiopathic scoliosis show reduced lung volumes and capacity on PFT and the pulmonary parameters show strong inverse correlation with the severity of the spinal deformity (Cobbs angle).
Key words: Maximum Voluntary Ventilation; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; Cobbs Angle; Scoliosis; Pulmonary Functions
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