Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Clinical Efficacy of Ultrasound-Assisted Scoliosis-Specific Exercise in Mild-Grade Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
07:01

Clinical Efficacy of Ultrasound-Assisted Scoliosis-Specific Exercise in Mild-Grade Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Published on: December 2, 2025

Can 'sniff nasal inspiratory pressure' determine severity of scoliosis in paediatric population?

Manjunath Ramappa1

  • 1James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK. manjuramappa@doctors.org.uk

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
|December 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) is a sensitive indicator of respiratory muscle weakness in pediatric scoliosis patients. While SNIP values are lower in neuromuscular scoliosis, they do not correlate with curve severity.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Respiratory Physiology

Background:

  • Sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) is increasingly utilized for assessing respiratory muscle strength.
  • The diagnostic utility of SNIP in pediatric scoliosis patients requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the significance of SNIP measurements in pediatric patients diagnosed with scoliosis.
  • To determine the relationship between SNIP values, curve severity, and curve pattern in pediatric scoliosis.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 89 pediatric patients undergoing preoperative assessment for scoliosis surgery were included.
  • Patients were categorized into idiopathic (55) and neuromuscular (24) scoliosis groups.
  • SNIP was measured and analyzed in relation to curve pattern and degree (Cobb angle).

Main Results:

  • Mean SNIP values were significantly lower in the neuromuscular group (35 cmH2O) compared to the idiopathic group (63 cmH2O).
  • No statistically significant correlation was found between SNIP values and the degree of spinal curvature (Cobb angle).
  • A statistically significant association was observed between SNIP and scoliosis curve pattern (P = 0.006).

Conclusions:

  • SNIP serves as a valuable and sensitive indicator of respiratory muscle weakness in pediatric scoliosis, particularly in the neuromuscular subgroup.
  • Low SNIP values are characteristic of neuromuscular scoliosis.
  • SNIP measurement does not appear to correlate with the severity of the spinal curve in this population.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Cell-based Assay Protocol for the Prognostic Prediction of Idiopathic Scoliosis Using Cellular Dielectric Spectroscopy08:08

Cell-based Assay Protocol for the Prognostic Prediction of Idiopathic Scoliosis Using Cellular Dielectric Spectroscopy

Published on: October 16, 2013

Clinical Efficacy of an Innovative Multidimensional Traction Therapy in Moderate Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis07:12

Clinical Efficacy of an Innovative Multidimensional Traction Therapy in Moderate Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Published on: February 10, 2026

Related Concept Videos

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection01:27

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection

Physical assessment of the respiratory tract through inspection is a crucial step in understanding the patient's respiratory health. It provides insights into the functioning of the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal structure, and even the patient's nutritional status. This comprehensive approach involves observing several vital aspects: chest configuration, breathing patterns, respiratory rates, skin color, and use of accessory muscles.
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion01:30

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion

Respiratory system abnormalities are a significant concern in healthcare due to their potential to indicate underlying severe conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia. These abnormalities can often be detected through physical examination methods like inspection and percussion.
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract I: Health History01:28

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract I: Health History

Physical assessment of the respiratory tract is critical to patient care. It allows healthcare professionals to identify and manage various respiratory conditions. The process involves a combination of subjective and objective data collection.
Subjective Data
Subjective data provides vital information about the patient's health history and symptoms. This data is typically collected through interviews in which patients describe their experiences, symptoms, and concerns.
Health history and key...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles01:30

Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles

A thorough assessment of respiratory health is paramount in clinical settings to identify and manage respiratory distress and ensure adequate oxygenation. This article elaborates on the critical aspects of respiratory evaluation, including airway assessment, skin color examination, and the observation of accessory muscle use, which are integral to effectively diagnosing and managing patients with respiratory conditions.
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation01:31

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation

In assessing respiratory abnormalities, palpation and auscultation are critical tools for detecting and interpreting various pathophysiological changes. These techniques provide insight into underlying disorders by evaluating tactile sensations and sounds produced by the respiratory system.
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Assessment of Respiration01:23

Assessment of Respiration

The respiratory system's basic structures and primary functions lay the foundation for nurses' comprehensive respiratory assessments. This assessment includes subjective and objective data to gauge the patient's respiratory health.
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...