Thoracic insufficiency syndrome is a lung and thorax disorder that often appears in children born with scoliosis or another type of spinal condition. Due to malformation of the chest wall and spine, the lungs and breathing capacity of a child with thoracic insufficiency syndrome are impaired. Because of the thorax’s inability to serve as a respiratory pump, patients will experience labored breathing along with extreme fatigue, and may need to be provided breathing support via oxygen, a CPAP or BiPAP machine, or mechanical ventilator. A relatively new, extensive surgical treatment for the condition (vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib thoracoplasty) may also help expand the capacity of the chest cavity to alleviate breathing symptoms.
Our website uses cookies. Please review our privacy policy to find out more about the cookies we use. Browsing our website means you accept these terms.
