Primary thoraco-spinal disorders of childhood

Abstract

Primary structural deformities of the spine and thorax were at one time rare and reportable in case series. With the development of new "growth friendly" implantable devices, children with these disorders are living longer and receiving both surgical and pulmonary care. As a result, there has been growing interest in the functional cardiopulmonary consequences of these deformities, the current surgical and non-surgical treatments, and the role of long-term supportive care. This article reviews current literature in this rapidly changing field, where new devices are developed and outcomes are changing. The respiratory consequences of early-onset thoraco-spinal disorders are emphasized and the roles of the pulmonologist and surgeons are discussed. There are more questions than answers as no long-term outcome data yet exists.

Keywords: Childhood; Scoliosis; Spine deformity; Thorax.