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VEPTR treatment only temporarily increases forced vital capacity
Vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib expansion thoracoplasty effectively increased forced vital capacity over time, but the increase in lung volume was not permanent as children grew, researchers found.
Ozgur Dede, MD, and colleagues analyzed the results of 21 children with early-onset scoliosis and thoracic insufficiency syndrome who underwent vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) expansion thoracoplasty from 2002 to 2012. Mean follow up was 6 years, and mean age of implantation was 4.8 years.
Prior to the index implantation and each expansion surgery, pulmonary function tests with forced and passive deflation techniques were performed. The researchers also longitudinally analyzed pulmonary and radiographic parameters.
At the time of the last follow-up, forced vital capacity increased significantly from the preoperative mean of 0.65 L to 0.96 L; however, the predicted percentage of forced vital capacity decreased from 77% to 58%, according to the researchers.
Prior to treatment, mean Cobb angle was 80°, and mean maximum thoracic kyphosis angle was 57°. Although the initial coronal correction was maintained at final follow-up, a trend toward decreased maximum thoracic kyphosis angle was observed, according to the researchers.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.