Effects of spinal deformities on lung development in children: a review

Scoliosis before the age of 5 years is referred to as early-onset scoliosis (EOS). While causes may vary, EOS can potentially affect respiratory function and lung development as children grow. Moreover, scoliosis can lead to thoracic insufficiency syndrome when aggravated or left untreated. Therefore, spinal thoracic deformities often require intervention in early childhood, and solving these problems requires new methods that include the means for both deformity correction and growth maintenance. Therapeutic strategies for preserving the growing spine and thorax include growth rods, vertically expandable titanium artificial ribs, MAGEC rods, braces and casts. The goals of any growth-promoting surgical strategy are to alter the natural history of cardiorespiratory development, limit the progression of underlying spondylarthrosis deformities and minimize negative changes in spondylothorax biomechanics due to the instrumental action of the implant. This review further elucidates EOS in terms of its aetiology, pathogenesis, pathology and treatment.