Spinal posture, mobility, and position sense in adolescents with chest wall deformities: a comparison of pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum and healthy peers
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In brief
In brief
Adolescents with pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum demonstrate increased thoracic kyphosis, reduced spinal mobility, and impaired position sense compared to healthy peers. The findings emphasize the need for routine spine evaluation and physical therapy referral in patients with chest wall deformities to address associated spinal alignment and mobility deficits.
- Adolescents with pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum show increased thoracic kyphosis compared to healthy controls.
- Both PE and PC patients demonstrate reduced spinal mobility in sagittal and frontal planes, particularly hip/sacral mobility.
- Spinal position sense is impaired in adolescents with chest wall deformities, indicating proprioceptive deficits.
- Routine spine evaluation is essential during physical examination of patients with chest wall deformities.
- Physical therapy referral should be considered for adolescents with PE or PC to address spinal alignment and mobility issues.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Purpose
The study aimed to compare spinal posture, mobility, and position sense in adolescents with pectus excavatum (PE), pectus carinatum (PC), and healthy control (HC).
Methods
22 with PE, 22 with PC, and 21 HC were included in the study. The spinal posture (thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, thoracic, lumbar, pelvic lateral tilt angles) and mobility (thoracic, lumbar, hip/sacral, and overall, in the sagittal and frontal plane) with the spinal mouse, and spinal position sense (repositing errors) with the inclinometer were assessed.
Results
The thoracic kyphosis angle of PE and PC was higher than in HC (p < 0.001; p = 0.001). Hip/sacral mobility in the sagittal plane was lower in the PE and PC than control, respectively (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Overall sagittal spinal mobility (p:0.007) and hip/sacral mobility in the frontal plane (p:0.002) were lower in the PC than in HC. Overall frontal spinal mobility was lower in the PE and PC than in HC (p:0.002; p:0.014). The PE and PC repositing errors were higher (p < 0.001; p:0.014).
Conclusion
The study found that adolescents with PE and PC had decreased spinal mobility, spinal alignment disorders, and a decline in spinal position sense. It is important not to overlook the spine during physical examinations of adolescents with chest wall deformities. In clinical practice, we suggest that adolescents with chest deformities should undergo a spine evaluation and be referred for physical therapy to manage spinal disorders.