Scoliosis secondary to rib resection

The case histories of 11 patients (five adults and six children) who presented with scoliosis after multiple rib resection for several disorders were reviewed. All 11 cases developed scoliosis with the convexity directed toward the side of the rib resection. The natural history of the scoliosis was progressive, and the younger the age at the time of rib resection, the more severe the progression. The rate of progression was greatest during the first 10 years after rib resection. The five patients who presented as adults were treated in several ways, only one requiring spine fusion. However, five of the six children required spine fusion to prevent progression of scoliosis.