Improvement of pulmonary dysfunction in patients with severe adult spinal deformity after corrective spinal fusion surgery

Abstract

In some cases of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, corrective surgery can improve pulmonary function. However, the effectiveness of corrective surgery in improving pulmonary function in adult spinal deformity (ASD) has not been reported. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to investigate the recovery of pulmonary function after corrective fusion surgery in 4 patients with severe ASD and associated pulmonary dysfunction. The first patient was a 42-year-old woman with spondylo-epiphyseal dysplasia, whose main presenting complaint was dyspnea. As a result of her respiratory dysfunction, associated with her severe spinal deformity, she required Home Oxygen Therapy (HOT). Prior to surgery, her %vital capacity (VC) was 25%, with a kyphosis angle of 170°. The second patient was a 55-year-old woman with a history of acromegaly, who presented with low back pain. Prior to surgery, she had a %VC of 48% and a Cobb angle of 85°. The third patient was a 59-year-old woman with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which had been previously treated, and who was now experiencing increasing low back pain. Prior to surgery, she had a %VC of 58% and a Cobb angle of 87°. The fourth patient was a 60-year-old man, with a history of tuberculous spine, who presented with low back pain. Prior to surgery, his %VC of 75% and Cobb angle of 100°. Pulmonary function improved after corrective fusion surgery in all cases. Halo traction with respiratory rehabilitation should be recommended before corrective spinal fusion surgery for patients with severe ASD and pulmonary dysfunction.