Thoracotomy and scoliosis.

The incidence of thoracic scoliosis after completion of growth was studied in a group of patients operated on in childhood with a lateral thoracotomy for esophageal atresia and cardiac and pulmonary disorders. Twenty of 61 patients had a thoracic scoliosis exceeding 10 degrees. The curves were mostly convex toward the operated side except in patients treated surgically for esophageal atresia, in which they were concave toward the operated side. None of the curves exceeded 25 degrees, and no therapy was needed. Thoracic scoliosis should, however, be remembered as a possible complication after lateral thoracotomy in childhood.