Progressive scoliosis following chest wall resection in children.

The effect of partial chest wall resection on subsequent production of spinal deformity was studied in six pediatric patients. The following observations are made: Scoliosis secondary to chest wall resection in the pediatric age group is progressive. The degree of curvature is related to the number of ribs resected. Anterior resection of ribs does not produce significant scoliosis, whereas resection of the posterior aspect of the ribs promptly produces scoliosis. Scoliosis associated with marked pleural thickening secondary to recurrent tumor, irradiation scarring, and underlying pulmonary metastases is always convex toward the normal side. Scoliosis associated with empyema and chest wall osteomyelitis is likewise convex toward the normal side and may respond to removal of this thether in the growing child.