Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

Clinical Efficacy of Ultrasound-Assisted Scoliosis-Specific Exercise in Mild-Grade Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Published on: December 2, 2025
Changes in cardiac index and blood pressure on positioning children prone for scoliosis surgery
1Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutic, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Insights
Prone positioning for scoliosis surgery significantly reduces cardiac index in adolescents by 18.5%. Mean arterial pressure remained stable, highlighting a need for strategies to manage this cardiac index decrease.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Scoliosis correction surgery is common in adolescents.
- Prone positioning is a critical surgical step.
- Hemodynamic changes during prone positioning require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in cardiac index and mean arterial pressure in children during prone positioning for scoliosis surgery.
- To assess the impact of prone positioning on pediatric cardiovascular function.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 30 children (13-18 years) undergoing idiopathic scoliosis repair.
- Measured cardiac index and mean arterial pressure at baseline, after fluid bolus, and after prone positioning.
- Statistical analysis of hemodynamic parameters.
Main Results:
- Prone positioning caused a median reduction in cardiac index of 18.5% (0.5 l.min(-1).m(-2)), with significant inter-subject variability.
- Mean arterial blood pressure changes were not statistically significant.
- A 5-ml.kg(-1) fluid bolus did not significantly alter baseline hemodynamics before prone positioning.
Conclusions:
- Prone positioning leads to a significant decrease in cardiac index in pediatric patients undergoing scoliosis surgery.
- Current fluid management strategies may not fully mitigate this reduction.
- Development of predictive, preventive, and treatment strategies for decreased cardiac index is necessary.
Abstract:
In this prospective observational study we investigated the changes in cardiac index and mean arterial pressure in children when positioned prone for scoliosis correction surgery. Thirty children (ASA 1-2, aged 13-18 years) undergoing primary, idiopathic scoliosis repair were recruited. The cardiac index and mean arterial blood pressure (median (IQR [range])) were 2.7 (2.3-3.1 [1.4-3.7]) l.min(-1).m(-2) and 73 (66-80 [54-91]) mmHg, respectively, at baseline; 2.9 (2.5-3.2 [1.7-4.4]) l.min(-1).m(-2) and 73 (63-81 [51-96]) mmHg following a 5-ml.kg(-1) fluid bolus; and 2.5 (2.2-2.7 [1.4-4.8]) l.min(-1).m(-2) and 69 (62-73 [46-85]) mmHg immediately after turning prone. Turning prone resulted in a median reduction in cardiac index of 0.5 l.min(-1).m(-2) (95% CI 0.3-0.7 l.min(-1).m(-2), p=0.001), or 18.5%, with a large degree of inter-subject variability (+10.3% to -40.9%). The changes in mean arterial blood pressure were not significant. Strategies to predict, prevent and treat decreases in cardiac index need to be developed.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomical Positions
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
Measurement of Blood Pressure
