Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech. 1992; 59(2):93-95
[Impact of a plaster on the pulmonary functions in idiopathic scolioses.].
- Ortopedická klinika fakultní nemocnice, Brno-Bohunice.
The authors followed up the impact of a plaster applied in idiopathic scolioses on the pulmonary functions measured by microcomputer spirometer. Pulmonary functions were examined in 24 patients prior to the operation of scoliosis and after the operation in the plaster and in 20 patients treated only by the plaster and on 45th day after its removal. The results of both groups were statistically evaluated by a Student t-test at 1 % level of significance by a personal computer Commodore 16. The results of the examination have shown that the plaster as a therapeutical device in idiopathic scolioses considerably restricts the respiratory functions. Simultaneously there occurs deterioration of the compliance of thoracic wall, a necessary increased activity of the chest and muscles in breathing, alveolar hypoventilation with the retention of CO2. Vital capacity has been reduced by 20 % on the average in operated patients and by 10 % in non-operated idiopathic scolioses in the plaster. In our present conditions, despite the negative impact on respiratory functions by after-treatment of idiopathic scolioses in the plaster, the operation for lengthening of the trunk with the correction of the curvature serves as prevention of the increase of pulmonary insufficiency at the adult age. In the course of two years after operation the respiratory functions start to improve again. Longterm active regime of breathing gymnastics in the patients with idiopathic scoliosis further reduces the negative impact of the plaster on respiratory functions. Key words: idiopathic scoliosis, pulmonary functions, plaster, breathing gymnastics.
Published: January 1, 1992 Show citation