Spinal anesthesia in a patient with severe thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis

Kyphoscoliosis is a deformity of the costovertebral skeletal structures characterized by an anterior flexion and lateral curvature of the patients vertebral column. In kyphoscoliosis, lung volume and compliance are reduced due to change in vertebral column. The work of breathing is increased by abnormal mechanism of the thorax and increased airway resistance resulting from small lung volume. Respiratory problems are common and spinal deformities can cause difficulties in regional anesthesia. We had successfully given spinal anesthesia for a patient with extremely severe thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis, for open reduction and internal fixation of fracture shaft of femur. Keyword :Severe thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis, Respiratory problems, spinal anaesthesia