Pulmonary Function Following Early Thoracic Fusion in Non-Neuromuscular Scoliosis

Patients with proximal thoracic deformity who require fusion of more than four segments, especially those with rib anomalies, are at the highest risk for the development of restrictive pulmonary disease. Pulmonary function tests should be performed for all patients who have an early fusion. The pursuit of alternative procedures to treat early spinal deformity is merited.