What are Pulmonary Function Tests and why are they important?
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) measure how well the lungs are working. There are several different types of pulmonary function tests. Spirometry measures the amount of air the lungs can hold. Lung volume tests measure the amount of air remaining in the lungs after exhaling. There are also lung diffusion tests and pulse oximetry which measure the amount of oxygen passed from the lungs to the blood. Our patients undergo a set of regular pulmonary function tests (PFTs). This is important because patients with progressive scoliosis sometimes have compromised pulmonary function as a result of their spinal deformity.
