Pulmonary Complications of Concave Rib Osteotomies in Scoliotic Patients

Background: Operations such as anterior or posterior releases can be used to decrease the magnitude of spinal curves. Concave rib osteotomy is an example of posterior release. Pulmonary complications are the main complications of this operation and the major cause of related morbidities. In this study, the frequency of pulmonary complications was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Pulmonary complications of concave rib osteotomies were studied in a series of 14 patients at Sina Hospital in a 2-year period (2001-2003). Results: Eight patients were females and 6 were males. During the operation, 3 cases of pleural tear were detected and chest tubes were inserted for them. No cases of pneumothorax and only 1 case of asymptomatic pleural effusion were detected postoperatively. Conclusion: This operation is a simple procedure. If the valsalva maneuver is used and pleural tears are detected intraoperatively, pulmonary morbidities will not increase significantly