Musculoskeletal deformities after thoracic surgery in children: an observational long-term follow-up study

Long-term follow-up of 104 pediatric thoracic surgery patients reveals 39% develop musculoskeletal deformities including scapular winging, scoliosis, and chest wall anomalies, though most are subclinical with only 8% requiring intervention. Serratus anterior muscle division during thoracotomy is the strongest predictor of deformity development, supporting adoption of muscle-sparing surgical techniques.