Ultrasonographic Measurement of Diaphragmatic Thickness in Adolescents With Thoracal Hyperkyphosis

Spinal deformity is common in childhood and adolescence, and can often present as scoliosis or increased thoracal kyphosis deformity with various etiologies. Any spinal deformity, especially one that affects the thoracic spine, can affect lung function. If left untreated, the curves may distort over time as skeletal growth accelerates. In some patients, this can lead to restrictive or obstructive lung disease and, rarely, death as a result of cor pulmonale. The alignment of the skeletal system in the chest and its harmony with the compliance of the chest wall are related to respiratory function; Thoracic kyphosis and the resulting changes in the rib cage lead to a decrease in lung capacity. The diaphragm is the main respiratory muscle, and diaphragm contraction is associated with respiratory functions. In recent years, ultrasonography (USG) has gained increasing utility for visualizing the diaphragm and assessing its function, with several advantages. Based on this, the investigators aimed to measure the diaphragmatic thickness in adolescents with increased thoracal kyphosis (thoracal hyperkyphosis) deformities, to show whether there is any relationship between increased kyphosis deformity and diaphragmatic thickness, and to show whether there is any change in diaphragmatic thickness before or after the treatment for kyphosis.