Preliminary evaluation of sagittal and transverse plane cross-sectional variations of the trunk during quiet and deep breathing by optical reflective motion analysis in patients with scoliosis

Trunk movements during quiet and deep breathing in untreated and in operated patients with scoliosis are not well defined. To evaluate sagittal and transverse plane cross-sectional variations of the trunk during quiet and deep breathing by optical reflective motion analysis (ORMA) in children with scoliosis. Twenty-one patients were divided into three groups: normal subjects (A; n = 6), subjects with untreated scoliosis >50° (B; n = 7) and operated patients (C; n = 8). Standing and sitting height, T1-T12 and L1-L5 length, arm span, chest perimeter, weight and BMI were recorded. Trunk movements of all patients, during quiet and deep breathing, were measured with a 10-camera 3D ORMA system (82 markers) with the subjects in a standard standing position. Groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, height, arm span and weight (P > 0.05). Significant differences were found in Cobb angle, chest perimeter and BMI (P 50°. Operated subjects had sagittal plane trunk kinematics closer to normal subjects, although changes were less pronounced at the level of the convex side.