Adult Scoliosis Wheeless

Description: Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics
- cardiopulmonary problems (thoracic curves> 60-65 deg alter PFT's; - curves> 90 deg may cause myelopathy & may affect mortality; - progression is unlikely in curves <30 deg - single major thoracic curves> 60-80 deg are likely to increase in size even after growth was complete; - rate of progression is about one degree per year; - Indications for Fusion: - adult patients with scoliosis, chronic pain & curve> 60 deg; - because of higher complication rate in adults, radiograph or cosmetic appearance alone are not indications for surgery;